Research Support Specialist ; CHESS Operator

Research Support Specialist I (CHESS Operator)

Research Support Specialists contribute to the research mission of the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) by assisting with the development and maintenance of experimental facilities and equipment and determining how to best achieve the necessary research objectives. As a Research Support Specialist I, you will share responsibility for designing, developing, assembling, and commissioning specialized equipment; tracking and analyzing research data and instrument performance;

writing and/or modifying computer programs and scripts; troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining specialized laboratory equipment; and providing technical support to researchers in the facility.

You will work on long-term projects and experimental upgrades about 70% of the time – sometimes on individual projects, but often collaborating with other technical staff. Projects may involve any of the following:

• Ultra-high vacuum systems
• Integrating hardware and software
• Safety (including chemicals, lasers, radiation, electrical, robotics, hazardous material handling)
• Cryogenics
• Control systems
• Mechanical engineering – design, fabrication, assembly, testing
• Motion control
• Programming
• PLC design and programming
• Electronics
• Hands-on work (soldering, machining, troubleshooting mechanical systems, relocating laboratory equipment)

You also will provide direct support and oversight to our visiting researchers (about 30% of your time). You will work as part of a team of research support specialists who provide technical support in the lab 24 hours a day when we are operating the facility for research. Working some nights, weekends, and holidays is required for this position.

About CHESS

The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) is an internationally-recognized research facility that provides high intensity X-ray beams and state-of-the-art instrumentation to scientists and students from university, government, and industrial labs around the world. These groups employ CHESS to conduct research in areas ranging from biology, physics, and chemistry to mechanical and structural engineering, advanced manufacturing, environmental science, materials science, and cultural heritage.

CHESS is part of the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE), which carries out frontier research in accelerator physics and engineering as well as supporting operation of the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) for photon science through CHESS.

What We Need

Please submit a cover letter and resume telling us about your interest, experience, and qualifications for this position. When reviewing your materials and evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field (physical sciences or engineering preferred), and two to four years of practical experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The experience should have involved a broad range of skills to support scientific research in a laboratory setting, such as troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining equipment; hands-on design or assembly work; and data collection/analysis.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with people from varied backgrounds.
• Work history demonstrating self-motivation, reliability, and use of good judgment.
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of a research environment.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a team environment.
• A commitment to upholding and advancing laboratory safety practices and culture.
• Experience prioritizing multiple tasks/responsibilities and seeing them through to completion; demonstrated time management skills.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Ability to be available to support the facility's 24/7 operation schedule, including working or being on call some evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Additionally, experience or familiarity with two or more of the following topics are preferred for this position:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Assessing experimental…