Research Support Specialist I (CHESS Operator)

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 65,447 - 75,632; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage

Generous retirement contributions

Leave benefits including vacation and holidays

Educational benefits such as tuition aid

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking a Research Support Specialist I for the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). The role involves supporting experimental facilities and providing technical assistance with a commitment to safety and collaboration.

This is a fixed-term position on the Cornell campus in Ithaca, New York, requiring a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience. A diverse set of benefits and a supportive work environment are provided.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of practical experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with experimental facilities and equipment.
• Ability to adapt to a changing research environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and maintaining experimental facilities.
• Track and analyze research data and instrument performance.
• Provide technical support to researchers in the facility.

Skills

Troubleshooting and repairing equipment

Communicating effectively with diverse backgrounds

Time-management skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field

Tools

Linux

Bash scripting

Python

Job description

Research Support Specialist I (CHESS Operator)

Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences & Education

The Opportunity

Research Support Specialists contribute to the research mission of the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) by assisting with the development and maintenance of experimental facilities and equipment and determining how to best achieve the necessary research objectives. As a Research Support Specialist I, you will share responsibility for designing, developing, assembling, and commissioning specialized equipment; tracking and analyzing research data and instrument performance; writing and/or modifying computer programs and scripts; troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining specialized laboratory equipment; and providing technical support to researchers in the facility.

About

You will work on long‑term projects and experimental upgrades about 70% of the time – sometimes on individual projects, but often collaborating with other technical staff. Projects may involve any of the following:

• Ultra‑high vacuum systems
• Integrating hardware and software
• Safety (including chemicals, lasers, radiation, electrical, robotics, hazardous material handling)
• Cryogenics
• Control systems
• Mechanical engineering – design, fabrication, assembly, testing
• Motion control
• Programming
• PLC design and programming
• Electronics
• Hands‑on work (soldering, machining, troubleshooting mechanical systems, relocating laboratory equipment)

About 30% of your time will be dedicated to providing direct support and oversight to visiting researchers. The role requires working as part of a team that provides technical support 24 hours a day during facility operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field (physical sciences or engineering preferred) and 2–4 years of practical experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The experience should have involved troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining equipment; hands‑on design or assembly work; and data collection/analysis in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with people from varied backgrounds.
• Work history demonstrating self‑motivation, reliability, and good judgment.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs of a research environment.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a team environment.
• A commitment to upholding and advancing laboratory safety practices and culture.
• Experience prioritizing multiple tasks/responsibilities and seeing them through to completion; demonstrated time‑management skills.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Availability to support the facility’s 24/7 operation schedule, including working or being on call some evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Preferred experience or familiarity with two or more of the following topics:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Assessing experimental procedures for chemical and/or biological hazards and applying controls that permit safe execution of the procedures.
• Linux, scripting languages such as bash and python, SPEC and EPICS control system software, and version control systems such as git and subversion.
• Developing and maintaining IOC servers to support hardware and software components.
• Writing technical documentation and/or standard operating procedures.

Benefits

• Location: Ithaca, New York, on the campus of Cornell University. This is a fixed‑term position with an initial appointment period of three years, renewable based on available funding and satisfactory performance.
• Compensation: $65,447.00 – $75,632.00.
• Health care coverage, generous retirement contributions, wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Leave: health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation, 13 holidays (including additional floating holidays). Detailed information is available as part of the Cornell benefits package.
• Educational benefits: tuition‑free Extramural Study, Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program.

EEO Statement

Cornell University 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.