Temporary Laboratory Technician (Department of Entomology); Ithaca, New York

Temporary Laboratory Technician

Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician

Nonexempt
Department of Entomology

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

The Department of Entomology is located on both the Ithaca and Geneva campuses. Their mission is threefold: To pursue studies to understand basic and applied aspects of insect biology; to provide a robust and modern curriculum as part of preeminent undergraduate and graduate programs; and to inform and educate the public about the issues related to insects and other arthropods. The Department of Entomology has 30 faculty and senior academics in Ithaca and 14 on the Geneva campus.

This is a temporary, full-time laboratory technician position in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Harrington in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University (Ithaca, New York). The Harrington Lab is a highly dynamic research group focused upon the study of disease vectors, namely mosquitoes and ticks. We are a relatively large lab and ongoing projects are extremely diverse, ranging from laboratory work investigating the reproductive physiology of mosquitoes – to – field studies focused upon the feeding behavior of Aedes albopictus. Dr. Harrington is also the program director of the CDC-funded Northeastern Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEVBD-TEC) with collaborators throughout the northeastern United States. Additional information is available on our website (http://neregionalvectorcenter.com)

What We Need

As the Temporary Laboratory Technician, you will conduct supervised research in a laboratory studying mosquito and tick biology and behavior as well as insecticide resistance of mosquitoes.  You will perform routine research under the direct supervision of laboratory staff and Dr. Harrington.

Duties include:

• Rearing mosquitoes and maintaining mosquito colonies

• Supporting mosquito biology research, mating assessment and other laboratory experiments

• Conducting bioassays to test mosquitoes for pesticide resistance to larvicides and adulticides

• Conducting molecular and biochemical assays on mosquito samples

• Conducting collections of ticks and mosquitoes in the field

• Using dichotomous keys to identify ticks and mosquitoes collected from the field

• Assisting with other ongoing projects in the Harrington lab as needed

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic who enjoys working in a research environment. Specifically, we need someone who has the following: 

• High School Diploma and 1+ year of relevant experience in a laboratory setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Highly organized and able to communicate clearly while working as part of a team.

• Interest and ability to learn new laboratory techniques.

• Laboratory and field research experience.

• Attention to detail.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel database management.

• Will be expected to work flexible hours, occasional evenings, and weekends as job functions require.

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Associate’s Degree in biological sciences, or related field (e.g., entomology, ecology, or natural resources).

• Experience conducting laboratory assays.

This is a temporary six-month (39 hours/week) position. This appointment is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This on-site position is located in Ithaca, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $23.40/hour.