Diagnostic Technologist - Virology

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks paid vacation

Holiday pay

Health care options

Retirement contributions

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking a Diagnostic Technologist I for the Animal Health Diagnostic Center's Virology Laboratory in Ithaca, NY. This full‑time, onsite role involves hands-on bench work to detect viral diseases and immune responses in animals, contributing to high‑quality diagnostic services.

The position requires a biology-related bachelor’s degree, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple workflows in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology or related science discipline is required.
• Strong attention to detail with accuracy and efficiency.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic testing per established procedures (virus isolation, cell culture, ELISA, molecular methods, etc.).
• Receive, prepare, and process clinical specimens; document test results.
• Support daily laboratory operations including inventory management and equipment maintenance.

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology or related science discipline

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
• Follow this link for more information: 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

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.

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2026-07-17