Research Technician - Cunningham Lab

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

44d • $24 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Cunningham Research Group in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, is seeking a full-time Research Technician to manage general lab activities and support human nutrition research. Research in our laboratory focuses on eating behavior and how different properties of food influence what, how, and how much individuals eat at meals, and how this may contribute to obesity and other nutrition-related diseases. This research involves conducting controlled feeding studies in which participants consume prepared meals under supervision in the lab. The Research Technician will work directly under the guidance and support of Dr. Paige Cunningham to carry out human nutrition research, and general laboratory organization and maintenance. As the successful Research Technician, you will be a central part of the Cunningham Research Group's efforts to understand the relationship between food and nutrition-related diseases. You'll support research through hands-on food preparation, study coordination, and lab organization, while also training and guiding student assistants. Your attention to detail, collaborative mindset, and commitment to inclusivity will help ensure the lab operates smoothly and remains a space for meaningful scientific discovery. This is a one-year, benefits eligible, term position with the possibility of renewal depending upon satisfactory job performance and funding availability. This is a fully onsite position that is based in Ithaca, NY. Typical work hours are 9:00AM-5:00PM Monday through Friday; however, some flexibility in hours may be required depending on the demands of the research.

Requirements

• Associate's degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in nutrition, food science, or psychology.
• Previous research and/or culinary experience.
• Willingness to occasionally work non-typical hours (e.g. 6am-2pm or 1pm-9pm).
• Proficiency in common computer applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to follow, implement, and develop standard operating laboratory protocols.
• Detail-oriented and thorough in completing and communicating the results of work tasks.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Food Science, or Psychology.
• Registered Dietician.
• Previous experience working in a professional kitchen.
• Previous experience in laboratory management.

Responsibilities

• Recipe development and food formulation.
• Food preparation.
• Data collection and organization and maintenance of study records.
• Assisting with participant recruitment and scheduling.
• Assisting with training and oversight of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participation in laboratory meetings, research related discussions, and other activities.

Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusive workplace initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees