Temporary Field & Lab Technician (Ecology & Soil Science)

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks a lab support technician for the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology lab. You will collect and analyze water, soil, and plant tissue samples from field trials and help maintain experimental plots.

You will follow established protocols, record data with care, operate standard lab instruments, and uphold safety and PPE requirements while collaborating with faculty and technical staff across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, agronomy, soil science, plant science, ecology, or closely related field.
• Ability to interpret and follow laboratory protocols while maintaining detailed experimental records.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform general laboratory procedures including sample preparation, instrument calibration, serial dilution, pipetting, and pH measurement.
• Ability to perform physical tasks in the field, including collecting water, soil, and plant tissue samples, weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage responsibilities, work independently, and take initiative.
• Proficiency with computer software including MS Office, Google Drive, and Box.
• Commitment to diversity, equity in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Support the collection, measurement, and analysis of water, soil, and plant tissue specimens from field trials evaluating enhanced rock weathering as a potential carbon-negative agricultural practice.
• Perform frequent field sampling, measurement, and data collection per established research protocols and procedures.
• Assist with the analytical measurement of aqueous samples using specialized laboratory instruments, including a total carbon analyzer and pH meter.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of experimental field plots, including applying amendments, planting, installing field instruments, and harvesting crops.
• Monitor and collect soil-pore water, soil, and plant tissue specimens in diverse field environments and weather conditions.
• Record, organize, and prepare data summaries, including conducting preliminary quality checks and performing general summary statistics.
• Assist with laboratory inventory, material preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and organization of field and laboratory equipment.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, waste disposal procedures, and PPE requirements.

Skills

Lab techniques

Field sampling

Data recording

Communication

Pipetting

Safety procedures

Teamwork

MS Office

Google Drive

Box

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant science

Job description

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks a lab support technician for the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology lab. You will collect and analyze water, soil, and plant tissue samples from field trials and help maintain experimental plots.

You will follow established protocols, record data with care, operate standard lab instruments, and uphold safety and PPE requirements while collaborating with faculty and technical staff across projects.