Field & Lab Technician (Temp) – Ecology Research

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY seeks a Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician to support lab and field work focused on enhanced rock weathering as a carbon-negative agricultural practice. You will participate in water, soil, and plant tissue analysis, data handling, and field plot maintenance.

The six-month, full-time, on-site position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related science and familiarity with lab procedures, data management, and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, agronomy, soil science, plant science, ecology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Ability to interpret and follow laboratory protocols while keeping detailed experimental records.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform general laboratory procedures including sample prep, instrument calibration, serial dilution, pipetting, and pH measurement.
• Must be able to perform field collection and handle materials up to 25 lbs.
• Detail-oriented, able to work independently, and take initiative.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, Google Drive, and Box.
• Adherence to lab safety procedures and university chemical/biological material handling requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and technicians and support diversity and inclusion.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field sites.

Responsibilities

• Support collection, measurement, and analysis of water, soil, and plant tissue from field trials.
• Perform field sampling and data collection per established protocols.
• Assist with analytical measurements using laboratory instruments such as a total carbon analyzer and pH meter.
• Support establishment and maintenance of experimental field plots and harvesting crops.
• Monitor soil-pore water, soil, and plant tissue in various field environments and weather conditions.
• Record, organize, and prepare data summaries with basic quality checks.
• Assist with lab inventory, material prep, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and PPE requirements.

Skills

Lab protocol interpretation

Record keeping

Physical stamina

Data handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, agronomy, soil science, plant science, ecology, or related field

Tools

Total carbon analyzer

pH meter

RStudio

Job description

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY seeks a Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician to support lab and field work focused on enhanced rock weathering as a carbon-negative agricultural practice. You will participate in water, soil, and plant tissue analysis, data handling, and field plot maintenance.

The six-month, full-time, on-site position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related science and familiarity with lab procedures, data management, and safety protocols.