Graduate Field Assistant-Department of Microbiology

Graduate Field Assistant-Department of Microbiology

About the Department of Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University has 14 active research laboratories.  It serves as the home Department for the Graduate Field of Microbiology (with more than 50 affiliated faculty members) and provides a center of expertise for numerous aspects of microbial biology.  The faculty and staff offer numerous advanced courses for both undergraduate and graduate-level students.  Research within the Department is focused on Prokaryotic Biology and Environmental Microbiology and includes specific expertise in molecular genetics, gene regulation, genomics, microbial cell biology, bioremediation, symbionts, pathogens, and ecosystems.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Graduate Field Assistant to join the Department of Microbiology. This position will work collaboratively with the CALS Office of Academic Programs (OAP) teams, CALS majors and departments, and numerous programs and units across campus. The role includes providing a full range of high-level, professional administrative support to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), guidance to graduate students, and support for department faculty and teaching staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Graduate Program Coordination:

• Provide administrative support to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and guidance to graduate students and Field faculty members.

• Interpret, communicate, and apply Graduate School and Departmental/Field policies.

• Act as liaison between graduate students, the Graduate School, the Bursar Office, the Office of Global Learning, and the DGS in the Field of Microbiology.

• Coordinate the graduate admissions process and assist in recruitment activities.

• Represent the Field of Microbiology at various meetings.

• Ensure timely student registration, especially for those students receiving aid.

• Create and update publications and electronic information relevant to the field, including website information.

• Coordinate and process exam schedules, committee nominations, and other relevant graduate forms for students.

• Work with the Graduate School regarding all new field faculty nominations, resignations, or retirements.

Undergraduate Program Coordination:

• Provide a broad range of administrative support for all aspects of the undergraduate program in Microbiology under the direction of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

• Serve as the primary contact person for all matters related to the undergraduate program.

• Coordinate and maintain the online Courses of Study Directory.

• Schedule exams through the University Registrar's Office and secure rooms for classes/sections.

• Coordinate with faculty on grade submissions.

• Coordinate and oversee the Department’s Graduation/Awards ceremony, including creating awards, scheduling, and ordering.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) Contract College position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Typical work hours are 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday.    

What You Need

We are looking for a team member who is collaborative, resourceful, and organized. Additionally, you will: 

• Hold an Associate's degree and 2+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Handle confidential and sensitive information with utmost discretion, integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

• Exhibit good judgment, creativity, and problem-solving and handle sensitive/confidential material.

• Demonstrate record of successfully providing exceptional customer service.

• Have Excellent communication (written and oral) and organizational skills.

• Be accurate in spelling, grammar, proofreading, and attention to detail.

• Take initiative to meet challenges with resourcefulness and tack.

• Adapt to changing guidance, resources, and computer systems.

• Troubleshoot, adapt to and make recommendations for change/improvements.

• Accomplish tasks that are urgent; balance conflicting priorities, and make decisions from a wide range of choices.

• Balance conflicting priorities, make informed choices, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.

• Be proficient in Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

• Be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches.

• Demonstrate positive work ethic.

• Work independently, as well as collaborativel