Part-Time Research Technician – Bat Ecology and Disease Research

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 16,005 - 19,562; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Temporary position

19 hours per week

Job summary

Cornell University’s Plowright Lab is seeking a part-time Research Technician to support bat-related research. The role involves live bat handling, sample collection, and data management under direct supervision.

The position encompasses wet laboratory work (RNA extraction, ELISA) and assistance with necropsies and bat husbandry, with data recorded in Google Sheets, Excel, or a project database.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife science, veterinary science, or related field (required); master’s degree preferred.
• Prior experience handling live wildlife, especially bats, and collecting biological samples strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with standard wet laboratory techniques (sample processing, RNA extraction, ELISA) preferred.
• Comfortable working with spreadsheet software; experience with structured data entry preferred.
• Ability to work independently and reliably in animal facilities, wet laboratories, and on the computer.
• Must complete required IACUC and institutional training upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Handle live bats and collect biological samples (oral and rectal swabs, blood, milk) from conscious, anesthetized, or euthanized bats while strictly adhering to PPE and safety protocols.
• Assist with necropsies, vaccinations, and bat husbandry as needed.
• Process and store biological samples; perform RNA extractions and ELISAs as required.
• Record, organize, enter, and cross‑check data in Google Sheets, Excel, or a relational database; upload records to a project‑specific database.
• Assist with general sample organization and documentation to support experimental workflows.

Job description

The Plowright Lab is seeking a part‑time Research Technician to support ongoing bat‑related research. This position involves live animal handling, wet laboratory work, and data management. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of RainaPlowright and will receive project‑specific training upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Handle live bats and collect biological samples (oral and rectal swabs, blood, milk) from conscious, anesthetized, or euthanized bats while strictly adhering to PPE and safety protocols.
• Assist with necropsies, vaccinations, and bat husbandry as needed.
• Process and store biological samples; perform RNA extractions and ELISAs as required.
• Record, organize, enter, and cross‑check data in Google Sheets, Excel, or a relational database; upload records to a project‑specific database.
• Assist with general sample organization and documentation to support experimental workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife science, veterinary science, or related field (required); master’s degree preferred.
• Prior experience handling live wildlife, especially bats, and collecting biological samples strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with standard wet laboratory techniques (sample processing, RNA extraction, ELISA) preferred.
• Comfortable working with spreadsheet software; experience with structured data entry preferred.
• Ability to work independently and reliably in animal facilities, wet laboratories, and on the computer.
• Must complete required IACUC and institutional training upon hire.

Additional Information

• 6‑month temporary position: 19 hours per week, semi‑flexible schedule based on experiments and sampling timepoints.
• Standard working hours apply; no heavy lifting or irregular scheduling required.
• All necessary safety and compliance training provided after hire.
• Pay rate: $18.00 per hour. Position is not benefits eligible.
• Remote option available: onsite only.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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.