Part-Time Research Technician – Bat Ecology and Disease Research

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plowright Lab is seeking a part-time Research Technician to support ongoing bat related research. This position involves live animal handling, wet laboratory work, and data management. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of Raina Plowright, and will receive project-specific training upon hire.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife science, veterinary science, or a related field required
Prior experience handling live wildlife, particularly bats, and collecting biological samples strongly preferred
Familiarity with standard wet laboratory techniques (sample processing, RNA extraction, ELISA) is preferred
Comfortable working with spreadsheet software; experience with structured data entry preferred
Ability to work independently and reliably in animal facilities, wet laboratory environments, and on the computer
Must be able to complete required IACUC and institutional training upon hire

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Handling live bats and collecting biological samples (on conscious, anesthetized, and/or euthanized bats) including oral and rectal swabs, blood, and milk, with strict adherence to PPE and safety protocols
Assisting with necropsies, vaccination, and bat husbandry as needed
Processing and storing biological samples; performing RNA extractions and ELISAs as required
Recording, organizing, entering, and cross-checking data in Google Sheets, Excel, or on Box and uploading records to a project-specific relational database
Assisting with general sample organization and documentation to support experimental workflows