Research Laboratory Technician II
Ithaca, NY - USA
Job Summary
The Opportunity
The Research Laboratory Technician II position in the Department of Entomology provides routine to moderately complex laboratory support for research on microbiology immunology and hostpathogen interactions. The work is centered on Drosophila and mosquito model systems. Responsibilities support ongoing experimental workflows within a research-focused lab environment.
About The Buchon Laboratory
The Buchon laboratory in the Department of Entomology studies insect immunity hostmicrobe interactions gut physiology and infection biology using both fruit fly (Drosophila) and mosquito models. The research combines insect rearing microbiology infection assays molecular biology and functional genetics. A key focus is understanding how immune and stress-response pathways shape host defense tissue health and infection outcomes. The lab supports federally funded research programs across both model systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain insect colonies (Drosophila and mosquito systems) and ensure proper specimen care
- Assist with routine to moderately complex technical support for research activities and facility operations
- Maintain laboratory records and assist in developing and updating databases
- Assist with inventory management and ordering of laboratory supplies
- Maintain sample tracking systems and colony documentation
- Prepare standard media buffers stains reagents and other biological materials
- Perform standard assays tissue/cell culture preparation and sample analyses
- Conduct experiments using established protocols in microbiology immunology functional genetics pathogen exposure/injection dissections and molecular biology techniques
- Support standard testing procedures using routine and specialized laboratory methods
- Collect organize and maintain experimental data and research records
- Analyze data using basic statistical methods and software tools
- Maintain and update laboratory databases and documentation systems
- Clean sanitize and maintain laboratory equipment and overall lab environment
- Follow and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and experimental protocols
- Assist with equipment setup assembly and minor troubleshooting or repairs as directed
- Prepare laboratory waste for proper disposal according to protocols
- Follow disease control chemical safety and radiation safety protocols
- Ensure all procedures comply with institutional safety requirements
- Complete required safety and compliance training (including CALS EHS training)
- Communicate effectively with supervisors and lab personnel
- Participate in assigned projects and team activities
- Contribute ideas for improving lab systems and processes
- Complete required compliance trainings and ongoing professional development activities
What We Need
Please submit either a CV or a resume along with a cover letter for further consideration.
- High school diploma and up to 2 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Prior experience working in a laboratory setting
- Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and proper waste handling procedures
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with faculty staff and students
- Ability to learn and perform routine to moderately complex laboratory procedures following established protocols and written instructions
- Ability to build and maintain inclusive collaborative working relationships with students faculty staff and community members
- Experience working with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
If you have all those things great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have but its ok if you dont.
- Associate or bachelors degree in biology entomology microbiology genetics molecular biology or a related field
- Experience with Drosophila and/or mosquito rearing
- Experience with microbiology techniques and/or molecular biology methods
- Experience with dissections injections or infection-related laboratory procedures
- Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records
- Experience supporting shared laboratory operations in a research lab environment
This is a full-time (39 hours/week) Contract College position that is based in Ithaca NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5 PM with flexibility as needed. 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. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off Working at Cornell
- Cornells impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program tuition aid for external education and Cornell Childrens 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:
Technician II
Job Family:
Technical
Level:
B
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$23.40 - $24.28
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Keionda Lewis
Contact Email:
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
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Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
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Required Experience:
IC