Food Processing Lab Tech III — Part-Time, On-Site

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is seeking a Technician III to provide research support for food processing and engineering projects. The role involves assembling and testing prototypes, preparing formulations, and operating high-pressure systems, extruders, and cryogenic equipment.

You will train staff and students, assist visiting scientists, and maintain lab safety and supplies. A two-year degree with lab experience is required; a Bachelor's is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or completion of a two-year formal training program in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field, with 1–2 years of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with technical personnel.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage responsibilities effectively.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and guidelines.
• Ability to lift and handle materials weighing 20–50 pounds. Ability to occasionally work irregular hours as needed.
• Experience collecting data and preparing summaries and final reports.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain laboratory equipment, materials, and workspaces in an orderly manner.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for food processing and engineering projects involving high-pressure systems, extrusion, extraction, and cryogenic freezing.
• Acquire parts, components, materials, and ingredients needed for research activities.
• Assemble, operate, and test prototypes and specialized laboratory equipment.
• Prepare and mix food formulations according to research protocols.
• Operate high-pressure processing systems and related laboratory equipment.
• Evaluate product quality using instrumental analysis and collect research data.
• Prepare data summaries and final research reports.
• Provide instruction, training, and supervision to new employees and undergraduate and graduate students, as directed.
• Support visiting scientists and external clients as needed and approved by the supervisor.
• Maintain an organized and safe laboratory environment, including ordering supplies, cleaning labware, and preparing chemical reagents.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Laboratory safety

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is seeking a Technician III to provide research support for food processing and engineering projects. The role involves assembling and testing prototypes, preparing formulations, and operating high-pressure systems, extruders, and cryogenic equipment.

You will train staff and students, assist visiting scientists, and maintain lab safety and supplies. A two-year degree with lab experience is required; a Bachelor's is preferred.