Technician III – Cornell University’s Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

15d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full time, two-year term position with the possibility of renewal based on available funding, performance, and business needs. The Brito Lab, located in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is seeking a full-time research technician who will help build and develop new technical approaches for a translational program from the lab that turns computational predictions of human-commensal protein interactions into novel therapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune disease. The work involves molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cell-based functional assays. The technician will be expected to participate in independent and ongoing research projects pertaining to host-microbiome interactions and the validation of therapeutic candidates, as well as assist with general lab upkeep. Experimental duties are highly variable but may include: validating predicted protein-protein interactions involving cloning and molecular assays, functional and cell-based assays, and recombinant protein expression and purification. There may also be the option to support in vivo efficacy studies. The technician will work under close supervision by the PI and our Research Scientist, as well as alongside students and postdocs in the lab. The technician will be expected to participate in group meetings and is a valued member of the laboratory. There will be opportunities for the research technician to publish their results and contribute to publications, as well as contribute to the commercialization of biomedical technologies. This is an early-stage translational project, and we welcome someone with ambition who is excited to take on a challenge and help build something new. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to 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.

Requirements

Associate's degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.
Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, such as molecular cloning, PCR, and standard nucleic-acid and protein methods.
Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Manual dexterity.
Timely data generation.
Excellent multitasking abilities.
Ability and desire to acquire new technical skills in the wet lab.
Attention to detail.
Ability to develop positive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators.
Computer skills, including use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Must be motivated, hard-working, and organized.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Multiple years of experience working in biological research laboratories.
Background or interest in IBD, immunology, or gut/mucosal biology.
Experience with co-immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling, or other protein-protein interaction assays.
Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
Experience with TEER / Transwell epithelial-barrier assays or gut epithelial models (e.g., Caco-2).
Experience with animal (mouse) handling, for optional in vivo studies.

Responsibilities

Help build and develop new technical approaches for a translational program.
Participate in independent and ongoing research projects pertaining to host-microbiome interactions and the validation of therapeutic candidates.
Assist with general lab upkeep.
Validate predicted protein-protein interactions involving cloning and molecular assays.
Perform functional and cell-based assays.
Conduct recombinant protein expression and purification.
Support in vivo efficacy studies (optional).
Participate in group meetings.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
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