Technician III - Microbiology - Dr. Heather Feaga's Lab

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all.  Cornell Core values 

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.    

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell.  These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

Department Background

The Department of Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University houses fourteen active research laboratories. It serves as the home department for the Graduate Field of Microbiology, with over 50+ 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.

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.

We are currently seeking a Research Technician to join the lab of Dr. Heather Feaga in the Department of Microbiology. Research in the Feaga lab focuses on identifying and characterizing translation factors in Bacillus subtilis. We use a combination of genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to study these factors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and participate in ongoing lab projects, providing support to existing projects and developing new projects.

• Conduct laboratory molecular genetic experiments and biochemical experiments using existing or newly constructed reagents.

• Summarize complex research data results.

• Evaluate, troubleshoot, and handle simple repairs for laboratory equipment.

• Maintain lab equipment and train new lab members in its use.

• Coordinate sample shipping and data sharing with collaborating labs.

• Assist with overall lab maintenance, including coordinating with other lab members to order supplies, update inventories, and maintain cleanliness.

• Participate in lab group meetings.

• Provide instruction, training, and direction to visiting scientists, postdoctoral associates, graduate trainees, and undergraduate students as directed by the supervisor.

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

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

• Associate’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work independent