Temporary Lab & Research Technician - CALS School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Breeding [...]

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Temporary Lab & Research Technician to join their vegetable breeding team. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on research with tomatoes and eggplants, focusing on field studies and greenhouse experiments. The technician will play a vital role in sowing, data collection, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma, relevant experience in agriculture, and strong communication skills. This position promises an enriching experience in a collaborative environment, perfect for those passionate about plant science and research.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and relevant experience in agriculture required.
• Knowledge of lab safety protocols and ability to lift 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Support tomato and eggplant breeding activities, including data collection.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain lab equipment hygiene.

Skills

Communication Skills

Ability to work outdoors

Data Collection

Laboratory Safety Protocols

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

CALS School of Integrative Plant Science - Plant Breeding and Genetics

Temporary Lab & Research Technician

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Summary: The tomato and eggplant breeding lab is recruiting a seasonal Technician to work full-time as a member of our vegetable breeding team. This role will support our tomato and eggplant field research, with responsibilities including sowing, transplanting, collecting data, harvesting, and processing seed.

In addition to supporting overall breeding activities, the technician will also assist in research projects in the greenhouse and field investigating subjects such as salinity tolerance and disease resistance. The technician will adhere to all laboratory and field safety protocols and complete training on lab safety and proper handling of chemicals as required by CALS EHS.

The technician will be responsible for driving Cornell vehicles between campus and farm locations to transport supplies, harvested produce, and other program personnel.

This is a full-time temporary position with a start date of 6/1/2025 through 10/1/2025.

Responsibilities:

Lab Support:

• Provide routine technical field, greenhouse, and lab support for the tomato and eggplant breeding program.
• Maintain standard laboratory records.

Research Support:

• Collect data and perform standard calculations; input, retrieve, and record experimental data from the field and greenhouse.
• Perform a variety of tests and experiments.
• Assist in the daily care of plants and maintenance of crops.

Laboratory Cleaning and Sanitation:

• Clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment and overall laboratory hygiene.

Safety Requirements:

• Adhere to all disease control and lab safety protocols with a solid understanding of laboratory safety techniques and procedures.
• Ensure laboratory procedures comply with chemical safety procedures.
• Ensure the proper disposal of laboratory waste and hazardous materials.
• Ensure that other lab personnel adhere to all laboratory safety protocols.
• Complete training on lab safety and proper handling of chemicals as required by CALS EHS.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma and up to 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Prior experience in agriculture, either in a commercial or research setting.
• Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab and agricultural field setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite – including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and familiarity with Outlook.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the production of fruits or vegetables.
• Experience growing tomatoes in the field and greenhouse.
• Experience working in a research setting in either the lab or field.

Essential Working Conditions (after considering reasonable accommodations):

• Physical (lift/carry/push/pull): Typically lifts 20 to 50 lbs.
• Visual: Close concentration.
• Hazards: Chemicals/careful use.

Pay range for this position is $18.50 - $20.33 per hour. Work shift can be flexible with the expectation to occur during business hours Monday – Friday.

This position is not benefits eligible.

This position is not available for Visa Sponsorship.

How to Apply:

You must submit both a Resume and Cover letter. When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information visit: hr.cornell.edu/eeo.