Research Associate

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

C Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences invites applications for a Research Associate in the Department of Entomology in Ithaca, NY. The role focuses on leading small molecule quantification projects using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, with responsibilities spanning method development, data analysis, and mentorship of students.

The successful candidate will contribute to environmental sample analysis, manuscript preparation, and departmental collaborations while relocating

Qualifications

• PhD or four years formal training in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or related sciences.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry, chromatography, and ecotoxicology.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and chromatography software including Chromeleon and TraceFinder.
• Experience managing databases in Excel and basic statistics in R.

Responsibilities

• Operate and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS for quantification of small molecules.
• Plan and supervise staff in sample extraction and preparation.
• Evaluate LC/GC data and quantify known/unknown compounds.
• Summarize data and communicate results to researchers and clients.
• Maintain/repair laboratory equipment and perform routine lab housekeeping.
• Train and supervise students in lab protocols and procedures.
• Write and revise manuscripts, grants, and reports.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols in all procedures.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Chromatography

Ecotoxicology

Independent worker

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD or four years equival. in chemistry/chemical ecology/ecotoxicology

Tools

Chromeleon

TraceFinder

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Photoshop

Job description

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

The Department of Entomology is seeking a highly qualified Research Associate to lead new and ongoing research on small molecule quantification. The Research Associate should have significant expertise in analytical chemistry, chromatography, natural products chemistry, and ecotoxicology.

• Operate and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS machinery for quantification of small molecules.
• Plan and assign work to staff regarding chemical extraction and preparation of environmental samples to be analyzed for small molecules.
• Use software to evaluate the quality of LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS data and quantify known and unknown small molecules according to user needs.
• Summarize LC and/or GC data and communicate results with researchers and other clients.
• Construct, maintain, clean, and make minor repairs to specialized equipment or facilities.
• Maintain equipment and computers in the lab, including set up of new equipment.
• Responsible for data collections and data analysis with minimal input from supervisor.
• Conduct statistical analyses of chemistry data.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory protocols.
• Write, revise, and proofread manuscripts, grants, and reports.
• Write protocols for laboratory procedures.
• Ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements.
• Assist in supervising students working on projects.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY.

Anticipated Division of Time

Mass Spectrometer Operation (40%):

• Operate and maintain LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS machinery for quantification of small molecules.
• Use software to evaluate the quality of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS data and quantify known and unknown small molecules according to user needs.
• Summarize LC and/or GC data and communicate results with researchers and other clients.

Research (Experiments, record keeping, and data analysis, 30%):

• Plan and assign work to staff regarding chemical extraction and preparation of environmental samples to be analyzed for small molecules.
• Write, revise, and proofread manuscripts, grants, and reports.
• Delegate basic tasks to graduate students, postdoctoral associates, or staff when necessary.
• Train and supervise undergraduate students in standard research and lab procedures, including the preparation of standard laboratory media.
• Conduct library research and network with library staff when necessary.
• Prepare standard stains, media, buffers, and reagents.
• Perform other routine research under the supervision of the laboratory PI.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and overall laboratory hygiene.
• Prepare and dispose of laboratory waste.
• Manage data collections and perform basic statistical analyses in R.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory chemicals.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%):

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Personal and Professional Development (5%):

Seek out and attend educational seminars and training meetings as required.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or other formal training program of four years or equivalent in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or related sciences.
• Strong background and research experience in analytical chemistry, chromatography, and ecotoxicology.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a research team.
• Applicants should be comfortable with basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Photoshop, as well as specialized chromatography programs including Chromeleon and TraceFinder.
• Ability to manage databases in Excel and perform basic statistical analyses in R.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide variety of people while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity are required.
• Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD and three or more years of postdoctoral experience in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or related sciences.
• Significant experience operating LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS machinery and quantifying known and unknown small molecules using standards or retention time and MS/MS data.
• Strong track record of oral and written communication skills, including at least 20 peer-reviewed publications, and creating a high-quality and respectful work environment.

Supervision Exercised

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is $72,000 - $75,000

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of "any person, any study," Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

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.

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.

Academic Discipline

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the