Diagnostic Technologist - Virology

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Holiday pay

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center in Ithaca, NY seeks a Diagnostic Technologist I for the Virology Laboratory. You will perform specialized tests to detect viral diseases in animals and support diagnostic services, with vaccines provided before/after hire as required.

Hours typically 8:00–5:00 but may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. This is a full-time, term position with potential extension depending on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology or related science discipline and up to 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail; ability to perform laboratory procedures and record keeping with accuracy, precision and efficiency.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines; must have strong organizational skills, with the ability to successfully multitask.
• Must be self-motivated and willing to take initiative to continue learning.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time at benches, biological safety cabinets, and microscopes; must be able to pipet for extended periods of time.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic testing per established procedures. Testing methods include: virus isolation, cell culture, ELISA, serum neutralization, hemagglutination inhibition, molecular methods, complement fixation, and agar gel immunodiffusion.
• Receive, prepare, and process clinical specimens, including whole blood, serum, swabs, tissues, organs, and postmortem specimens and accurately document test results.
• Support daily laboratory operations, including inventory management, equipment maintenance, and laboratory organization.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Self-motivated

Pipetting

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology or related science

Job description

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Diagnostic Technologist I to join the Animal Health Diagnostic Center’s Virology Laboratory. In this role, the selected candidate will perform specialized laboratory testing to detect viral diseases or immune responses to viral infections in animals while supporting high-quality diagnostic services. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented laboratory professional who enjoys hands-on bench work and contributing to animal health.

Employees working in the laboratory must receive the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series prior to or immediately after hire, which will be paid for by the department.

While the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays and scheduled breaks.

Success Factors

• Thrives in an outcome-driven environment with clear deadlines, enjoys working on routine and detailed tasks, and is able to identify and troubleshoot problems.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment and capable of working independently with limited supervision and guidance.
• High attention to detail and context, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple workflows simultaneously in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills to collaborate with all stakeholders, convey a positive attitude, and contribute to a positive working environment.
• Flexible mindset to respond to the changing needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic testing per established procedures. Testing methods include: virus isolation, cell culture, ELISA, serum neutralization, hemagglutination inhibition, molecular methods, complement fixation, and agar gel immunodiffusion.
• Receive, prepare, and process clinical specimens, including whole blood, serum, swabs, tissues, organs, and postmortem specimens and accurately document test results.
• Support daily laboratory operations, including inventory management, equipment maintenance, and laboratory organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology or related science discipline and up to 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail; ability to perform laboratory procedures and record keeping with accuracy, precision and efficiency.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines; must have strong organizational skills, with the ability to successfully multitask.
• Must be self-motivated and willing to take initiative to continue learning.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time at benches, biological safety cabinets, and microscopes; must be able to pipet for extended periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to two years of laboratory experience.
• Experience working in an environment with a quality management system.
• Experience working with infectious organisms.
• Successful work experience in a fast-paced, complex, client-oriented environment.

Important Details about the Position

• This is an onsite position located in Ithaca, NY.
• This is a full-time three-year term position with potential for extension contingent upon funding and performance.
• We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position.
• Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What We Offer

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 13 additional holiday days with generous holiday pay if you work on those days
• An award-winning employer provided benefits program
  • Comprehensive health care options
  • Access to wellness programs
  • Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
  • Generous retirement contributions
  • Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance program
• https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits

Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success.

Who We Are

The Virology Laboratory of the AHDC provides diagnostic testing and consultative services in the area of veterinary virology to private practitioners, testing laboratories, agribusinesses, and researchers in university and government settings. Diagnostic testing includes detection of viral antigens, nucleic acid and antibodies made in response to infections or vaccinations. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/testing-laboratories/virology

Questions?

Gabriel Gonzalez - [e-mail]

University Job Title

Medical Technologist I

Job Family

Health

Level

D

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$28.61 - $33.25

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Gabriel Gonzalez

Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges

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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

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Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage 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.

2026-09-16