Temporary Laboratory Technician, Geneva, NY

Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

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.

As a member of the Seed Biology and Technology Program, you will support research activities in seed biology, seed quality, and seed pathology within the Horticulture Section. You will conduct laboratory assays to evaluate seed health, germination, vigor, viability, and seedborne microorganisms. You will also help with core research activities, including processing seed samples and conduct isolation, culturing, identification, and characterization of seedborne and plant-associated microorganisms.

Other duties include:

• Assist with experiments involving fungal and bacterial plant pathogens and other biological agents, following approved laboratory biosafety and experimental protocols.
• Prepare media, reagents, solutions, inocula, and other materials required for seed pathology and general seed biology experiments.
• Conduct seed inoculation, treatment, coating, and evaluation experiments as directed by the research team.
• Establish, maintain, monitor, and collect data from greenhouse and growth-chamber experiments involving seeds and plants.
• Perform routine observations, measurements, sampling, and data collection according to established experimental protocols.
• Maintain organized records of samples, treatments, experimental conditions, observations, and results.
• Assist with laboratory inventory, preparation of materials, cleaning, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory organization.
• Enter, organize, and conduct preliminary quality checks of experimental data using spreadsheets or other appropriate software.
• Assist graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty with ongoing research projects and experimental activities.
• Follow all applicable Cornell University laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical hygiene, and waste-disposal requirements.
• Perform other related technical duties necessary to support the research and operational needs of the Seed Biology and Technology Program.
• Occasionally travel to research, greenhouse, field, and grower sites to assist with seed and plant sampling, field experiments, data collection, and other research activities.

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic who has an interest in seed biology and pathology. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• Bachelor's degree in plant pathology, plant science, biology, microbiology, agronomy, seed science, or a closely related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience involving biological samples, microorganisms, seeds, plants, or related research materials.
• Basic knowledge of plant pathology, microbiology, seed biology, or seed health testing.
• Ability to accurately follow established laboratory protocols and maintain detailed experimental records.
• Ability to perform routine laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, pipetting, culture or isolation procedures, microscopy, and/or basic biological assays.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain organized laboratory records, samples, and research materials.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and institutional requirements for handling biological materials.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently to research and field sites as needed.

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:

• Experience with seed pathology, seed health testing, or detection of seedborne pathogens.
• Experience isolating, culturing, or identifying plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, or other microorganisms.
• Experience conducting seed germination, vigor, health, or viability assays.
• Experience with plant inoculation experiments and greenhouse or growth-chamber studies.
• Familiarity with aseptic technique and microbiological methods.
• Experience with molecular or diagnostic techniques used in plant pathology or seed health testing, such as DNA extraction, PCR, or related assays.
• Experience with seed treatment research, seed coating, biological seed treatments, or evaluation of treated seed.
• Experience maintaining accurate experimental databases, spreadsheets, or other research records.
• Familiarity with standard seed-testing procedures or ISTA/AOSA methods is desirable.

This is a five-month, temporary, full-time position at 40 hours/week that is…