Laboratory Technician - Microbiology

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As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.    

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Position Summary

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

The Department of Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University has twelve active research laboratories. It serves as the home Department for the Graduate Field of Microbiology (with 45+ affiliated faculty members) and provides a center of expertise for numerous aspects of microbial biology. The faculty and staff offer advanced courses for both undergraduate and graduate students.

This position will be in the lab of Dr. Lisa-Marie Nisbett in the Department of Microbiology. Research in the lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that drive biofilm formation in nontuberculous mycobacteria. This position’s primary responsibility will be to manage lab functions, participate in and provide support for ongoing projects by performing experimental work using microbiology, protein biochemistry and molecular biology based procedures.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Providing assistance with overall lab maintenance, including coordination with other lab members to order supplies, maintain stocks of commonly used lab reagents, update and maintain inventories and maintain lab cleanliness.

• Evaluating and examining laboratory equipment and troubleshooting/handling simple repairs and problems.

• Maintaining lab equipment and training new lab members in equipment use.

• Coordinating sample shipping and data sharing to and from collaborating labs.

• Participating in lab group meetings, engaging in data analysis and figure generation for presentations and research publications.

• Attending scientific conferences if able and appropriate

• Providing instruction, training, and direction to Visiting Scientists, Postdoctoral Associates, and graduate and undergraduate students as directed by supervisors.

This position is full-time (39 hours/week) and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination

• Proficiency in basic computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) and the use of online data-sharing tools (e.g., Dropbox, Google Docs).

• Experience preparing written summaries and final reports.

• Ability to lift 20 pounds.

• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.