CALS- Technician III - Microbiology- Laboratory Technician

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•$24 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The Department of Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University houses fourteen active research laboratories and serves as the home department for the Graduate Field of Microbiology, with over 50+ affiliated faculty members, providing a center of expertise for numerous aspects of microbial biology. The faculty and staff offer advanced courses for both undergraduate and graduate students. The position is located within the department of Microbiology. We are currently seeking a Research Technician to join the lab of Dr. Heather Feaga in the Department of Microbiology. Research in the Feaga lab focuses on identifying and characterizing translation factors in Bacillus subtilis, using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches. This is a full-time, one-year term appointment contingent upon available work, funding, and performance, located fully in person on the Ithaca, NY campus. Relocation assistance will not be provided.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Proficiency in basic computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) and the use of online data-sharing tools (e.g., Dropbox, Google Docs).
Proficiency in standard lab techniques such as culturing micro-organisms and maintaining sterile technique.
Experience in data collection and analysis.
Experience with bioinformatics and ability to analyze sequencing data.
Experience maintaining a detailed laboratory notebook.
Knowledge of standard laboratory safety protocols and guidelines.
Ability to lift 20 pounds.
Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
Must be able to work irregular hours occasionally.
Ability to keep equipment, materials, and lab organized.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with technical personnel.
Ability to take initiative.
Must be personable, flexible, and take pride in their work.
Possess excellent organizational skills.
Ability to pay attention to detail.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to create an inclusive, high-quality, and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve departmental and university goals.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
Previous laboratory experience (2+ years).
Previous hands-on experience in either biochemistry OR bioinformatics.
Experience with biochemistry such as protein purification and molecular cloning, OR Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, R, Python.

Responsibilities

Manage and participate in ongoing lab projects, providing support to existing projects and developing new projects.
Evaluate, troubleshoot, and handle simple repairs for laboratory equipment.
Maintain lab equipment and train new lab members in its use.
Coordinate sample shipping and data sharing with collaborating labs.
Assist with overall lab maintenance, including coordinating with other lab members to order supplies, update inventories, and maintain cleanliness.
Participate in lab group meetings.
Provide instruction, training, and direction to visiting scientists, postdoctoral associates, graduate trainees, and undergraduate students as directed by the supervisor.
Foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options.
Generous retirement contributions.
Access to wellness programs.
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
Health and personal leave.
Three weeks of vacation.
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.
Two additional floating holidays.
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
Tuition aid for external education.
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.