Technician

Job Title Technician III The Opportunity 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 Program Technician III position supports the operational, analytical, and technical functions of the Cornell Fermentation Farming Lab, with additional support to the Cornell Food Venture Center and Seneca Foods Foundation Pilot Plant. The role enables laboratory and pilot‑scale fermentation services by maintaining laboratory systems, preparing and monitoring microbial cultivation processes, supporting downstream processing activities, conducting routine analytical testing, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with reports for internal and external stakeholders. Responsibilities Maintain and organize laboratory records, materials, tools, equipment and reagents. Perform basic literature review on topics related to ongoing projects. Isolate, cultivate and identify microorganisms of interest and maintain culture collections. Cultivate microorganisms in batch and continuous processes; perform analyses related to microbial cultivations, including pH, acidity, liquid and gas chromatography. Prepare and monitor fermentation processes in laboratory bench‑scale and pilot scale. Develop and execute downstream processing at bench and pilot scale. On an as‑needed basis, provide support for routine analytical activities at the CFVC, including testing food samples for pH, water activity, Brix, solid content and filing and communication related to these activities. Support pilot‑scale fermentation activities at the SFFPP. Work under the supervision of the Associate Director of the CFFL to provide laboratory and analytical support for internal and external clients. Qualifications Associate’s degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination. Prior experience in a laboratory setting. Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab setting and proper waste handling. Experience with Microsoft Office suite – including Word, PowerPoint and Excel and familiarity with Outlook. Ability to communicate verbally and written with faculty, staff and students. Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business. Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Experience working in university‑based laboratories or extension programs. Familiarity with biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, and industrial fermentation processes. Benefits Comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. Leave provisions including health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays (including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after, and an end‑of‑year winter break from December 25 to January 1). Two additional floating holidays are offered for flexibility in observing faiths and traditions. Educational benefits: tuition‑free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program. Full‑time position at 97.5% FTE; one‑year term appointment contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. Visa & Relocation Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 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, 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. Contact Information Recruiter: J'Frances White Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr