Technician III

Cornell University; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornell University seeks a part-time Research Assistant to support food processing projects in Ithaca, NY. You will assemble and test prototypes, prepare formulations, and operate specialized lab equipment, while assisting students, staff, and visiting scientists. The role emphasizes safety, data collection, and clear reporting.

The position is 20 hours per week, on-site in Ithaca, with a one-year term. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to lift

Qualifications

• Associate degree or completion of a 2-year program with 1–2 years lab experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science or Chemistry strongly preferred.
• Experience collecting data and preparing summaries/reports is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for food processing and engineering projects.
• Assemble, operate, and test prototypes and laboratory equipment.
• Prepare formulations and perform instrumental analyses.
• Train and supervise students and staff as directed.
• Maintain a safe, organized lab and assist visiting scientists/clients as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Data collection

Data analysis

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Associate degree or 2-year training in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Opportunity

This position provides research support for food processing and engineering projects involving high-pressure systems, extrusion, extraction, and cryogenic freezing technologies. Responsibilities include assembling and testing prototypes, preparing formulations, operating specialized equipment, and evaluating product quality through instrumental analysis. The role also supports training students and employees, assisting visiting scientists and clients, and maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment, cleanliness, and safety.

About The Department of Food Science

The Department of Food Science is a nationally recognized leader in applying science and engineering to improve the safety, quality, nutrition, and accessibility of food. Its interdisciplinary work spans chemistry, biology, nutrition, biotechnology, and engineering to address global food challenges. The Food Processing and Engineering program focuses on developing innovative food products and processing technologies, including research in high-pressure and other emerging processing methods.

Key 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.

What We Need

• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, or other related field.
• Previous experience with high pressure systems, 3-D printing, and in routine testing of mechanical and electrical properties of products and processes is highly desirable.

This is a part-time position (20 hrs/week) that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The final schedule will be established in collaboration with the supervisor. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

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.

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.