CALS- Technician - Molecular Biology and Genetics; MBG

Position: CALS- Technician I- Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG)
Technician I

The Opportunity

As a university founded to be a place where "…any person can find instruction in any study," inclusion and belonging 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 inclusion, belonging, 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 se skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success;
Leadership Skills for Success

About the College

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:
We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

The Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) department at Cornell is world-class and conducts research and teaching in the area of molecular biology and genetics. The Murphy Lab is part of the MBG and focuses on advancing our understanding of gene regulation and cellular identity through innovative experimental approaches. The lab utilizes mouse stem cells and zebrafish embryos to study cellular programming, epigenetics, and gene expression control.

We apply next-generation genomics tools alongside bioinformatics methods to analyze and interpret complex datasets. Through this work, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing embryonic development, reproduction, and inheritance.

A research technician position is available in the Murphy Lab within the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. The lab focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that regulate gene expression, cellular identity, and developmental programming. Using mouse stem cells and zebrafish embryos as model systems, the lab investigates epigenetic regulation and gene expression control during embryonic development, reproduction, and inheritance. By integrating next-generation genomics technologies with bioinformatics approaches, the lab aims to uncover core principles governing how cell states are established and maintained.

The position is suited for an energetic and enthusiastic technician who will assist with laboratory experiments and contribute to overall lab organization. Experimental approaches in the lab include cell culture (including mouse stem cells), molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR), gene perturbation methods (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), microscopy, and work with zebrafish and mouse models. The successful applicant should be a fast learner;

prior expertise in all techniques is not required. The technician will be responsible for supporting research activities, including setting up experiments, collecting and organizing data, and assisting other lab members. Additional responsibilities include maintaining laboratory reagents and supplies, organizing protocols, managing inventory, and ensuring lab safety documentation is up to date. The role provides opportunities to learn and apply modern genomics tools and bioinformatics methods.

For exceptional candidates, there may also be opportunities to develop independent research projects.

This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position requires full on-site presence in the laboratory, located in Ithaca, NY; remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming;…