Technician III - Microbiology - Dr. Heather Feaga's Lab

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

Department Background

The Department of Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University houses fourteen active research laboratories. It serves as the home department for the Graduate Field of Microbiology, with over 50+ affiliated faculty members, and provides a center of expertise for numerous aspects of microbial biology. The faculty and staff offer advanced courses for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Position Summary

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically 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.

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. We use a combination of genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to study these factors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and participate in ongoing lab projects, providing support to existing projects and developing new projects.
• Conduct laboratory molecular genetic experiments and biochemical experiments using existing or newly constructed reagents.
• Summarize complex research data results.
• 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.

This position is full-time (39 hours/week) and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Associate's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field and up to 2 years 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 contemporary methods of molecular cloning / recombineering and gene assembly technologies.
• Proficiency in standard microbiology techniques and molecular microbiology.
• Experience in data collection and analysis, using command line for analyzing data.
• Experience with bioinformatics and ability to analyze sequencing data
• Experience preparing written summaries and final reports.
• 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, outside clientele, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory experience (2+ years), preferably with bacterial organisms.
• BSL-2 experience.
• 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.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.

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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

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.