Details
Posted: 24-Apr-26
Location: Ithaca, New York
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 3-105693
Technician III
The Opportunity
This position involves supporting ongoing projects in the McMillan lab while gaining hands-on research experience. There is also an opportunity to design and pursue a small independent research project.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is a leading institution focused on purpose-driven, interdisciplinary science. It addresses global challenges through research, education, and outreach, emphasizing the interconnected nature of scientific systems. CALS prioritizes access to nutritious food, a healthy environment, and the wellbeing of communities worldwide. Its work spans local to global scales, aiming to create sustainable and impactful solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory records.
- Develop and document standard laboratory procedures and protocols.
- Conduct experiments involving plant growth and inoculation in soil-based gnotobiotic systems, standard soil conditions, and agar plate assays.
- Train and support lab members in plant growth systems, including gnotobiotic methods.
- Perform DNA and RNA extractions from environmental and microbial samples.
- Prepare samples for omics analyses.
- Prepare laboratory media, buffers, and reagents.
- Conduct standard microbiological assays and culture preparation.
- Analyze experimental data using basic statistical methods and software tools.
- Maintain laboratory cleanliness, equipment, and overall organization.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, disease containment procedures, and federal regulations.
- Follow chemical and environmental health and safety guidelines.
- Complete required safety training (e.g., lab safety, chemical handling).
- Manage and dispose of laboratory waste according to protocols.
- Assist in developing lab documentation, including handbooks and operating procedures.
- Support training, mentoring, and supervision of undergraduate researchers.
What We Need
Please submit either a CV or a resume, along with a cover letter, for further consideration.
- Associate's degree with up to 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.
- Prior experience working in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of lab safety protocols and proper waste handling procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with Outlook.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.
- Educational background in plant pathology, plant biology, microbiology, environmental biology, or a related field.
- Experience with microbial techniques, including culturing, nucleic acid isolation using commercial kits, and dilution plating.
- Familiarity with molecular biology methods such as PCR, electrophoresis, and bacterial gene cloning.
- Experience with plant growth systems and plant handling/manipulation.
- Ability to work in and maintain sterile laboratory environments.
This is a full-time (39 hours/week) Contract College position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility as needed. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.
Rewards and Benefits
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
University Job Title:
Technician III
Job Family:
Technical
Level:
C
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$24.31 - $26.87
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Keionda Lewis
Contact Email:
kll98@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Union Positions
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EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2026-04-22