Laboratory Technician

The Opportunity

The Helmann Lab in Cornell’s Department of Microbiology is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support research on the genetics and physiology of Bacillus subtilis . The lab’s research focuses on metal homeostasis and antibiotic stress responses. The position uses a combination of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical approaches to investigate microbial biology.

About The Department of Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is home to 14 active research laboratories and the Graduate Field of Microbiology. With more than 50 affiliated faculty members, the department serves as a center of expertise in microbial biology. Faculty and staff also provide advanced coursework for undergraduate and graduate students.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments using molecular genetics, microbiology, and biochemical techniques.
• Construct and characterize Bacillus subtilis strains using transformation and transduction methods.
• Conduct physiological studies to investigate genetic interactions and changes in gene and protein expression under defined stress conditions.
• Design cloning and assembly strategies to modify or mutate chromosomal targets in B. subtilis and related species.
• Plan and conduct large-scale screening using gene deletion libraries.
• Develop strategies for protein purification and related experimental procedures.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and research data in laboratory notebooks and computerized systems.
• Analyze, interpret, manipulate, and summarize complex research data and prepare reports and other research documentation.
• Conduct literature, library, and internet research to support current and future research projects.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including laboratory organization, cleaning, reagent inventories, and DNA and protein stocks.
• Monitor laboratory equipment, troubleshoot moderately complex equipment issues, and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Order laboratory supplies, replacement parts, and equipment and make purchasing recommendations in accordance with established policies and procedures.

What We Need

For further consideration, please submit either a CV or resume. A cover letter is recommended.

• Associate’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field and up to two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with contemporary molecular cloning and bacterial genetics techniques.
• Experience with standard microbiology and molecular microbiology techniques.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Experience preparing written summaries, reports, and other research documentation.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety protocols, practices, and guidelines.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and online data-sharing tools such as Dropbox and Google Docs.
• Ability to maintain organized laboratory equipment, materials, supplies, and workspaces.
• Strong attention to detail, visual concentration, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally work irregular hours.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory experience (2+ years).
• Previous hands-on experience with bacterial genetics.
• Previous hands-on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and DNA sequencing technologies and data handling.
• Experience with protein purification methods.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies and data processing.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. The final schedule will be established in collaboration with the supervisor. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension, depending on funding and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• 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.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

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:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines :

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email View email address on aiapply.co.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice View phone number on aiapply.co, or email at View email address on aiapply.co.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing View email address on aiapply.co.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

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.