Research Support Specialist I

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site in Ithaca, NY

Health benefits

Retirement contributions

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Cornell University’s Department of Entomology seeks a qualified professional to support small molecule quantification research using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, addressing analytical chemistry challenges and environmental samples.

The successful candidate will manage sample prep, data collection, interpretation, and reporting, while training students and maintaining lab safety and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain GC-MS/MS instrumentation and be familiar with LC-MS/MS instrumentation to support small molecule quantification and research.
• Coordinate chemical extraction, sample preparation, data collection, analysis, and basic statistical analysis of environmental and chemistry samples.
• Evaluate, interpret, and summarize analytical data and communicate results to researchers and other clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, computers, facilities, and supplies, including ordering materials and coordinating purchases and waste disposal.
• Develop and maintain laboratory protocols and ensure research activities comply with safety requirements.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory procedures and assist with research projects.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grants, reports, and other research materials through writing, revision, and proofreading.

Job description

The Opportunity

The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking a highly qualified professional to support new and ongoing research focused on small molecule quantification. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research involving analytical chemistry, chromatography, natural products chemistry, and ecotoxicology.

The successful candidate will work with researchers, students, and laboratory staff to support chemical analysis, data collection and interpretation, laboratory operations, and research activities. The position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain GC-MS/MS instrumentation and be familiar with LC-MS/MS instrumentation to support small molecule quantification and research.
• Coordinate chemical extraction, sample preparation, data collection, analysis, and basic statistical analysis of environmental and chemistry samples.
• Evaluate, interpret, and summarize analytical data and communicate results to researchers and other clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, computers, facilities, and supplies, including ordering materials and coordinating purchases and waste disposal.
• Develop and maintain laboratory protocols and ensure research activities comply with safety requirements.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory procedures and assist with research projects.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grants, reports, and other research materials through writing, revision, and proofreading.

What We Need

We are seeking a team-oriented and collaborative professional who is highly organized, works well in a fast-paced environment, and builds positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

• A Bachelor's degree or completion of a four-year formal training program in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or a related science, plus 2 to 4 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A strong background and research experience in analytical chemistry, chromatography, and interest in 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.
• The ability to manage databases in Excel and perform basic statistical analyses in R.
• The 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.
• The ability to lift 20-50 pounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include:

• PhD or Master's degree or other formal training program of equivalence in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or related sciences.
• Extensive experience operating, maintaining, and developing new methods for GC-MS/MS applications, and experience with LC-MS/MS.

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is based in Ithaca, New York and fully on-site.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
• Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title: Research Support Spec I

Job Family: Academic Support

Level: E

Pay Rate Type: Salary

Pay Range: $65,447.00 - $75,632.00

Remote Option Availability: Onsite

Company: Contract College

Contact Name: Jamie Doss

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.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes 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 seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage 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.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice [phone], or email at [e-mail].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [e-mail].

2026-10-05