Technician - CAS - Department of Neurobiology and Behavior

Technician I

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: understanding the world's complex, interlocking systems; access to nutritious food and a healthy environment as a fundamental human right;

and 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 Department of Neurobiology and Behavior (NBB) has a distinguished faculty of 23 whose interests range from the intrinsic properties of neurons to the organization of animal societies. Research in the Department falls into five core areas: cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, computational neuroscience, chemical ecology, and animal social behavior. Faculty members have integrative programs of research that span different levels of analysis.

The Department is housed in both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) with an overall budget of ~$9.3 million and sponsored activity of ~$3.4 million.

This Lab Technician position supports an animal behavior lab in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY). The Shaw lab studies crickets as model system to investigate the evolution of reproductive behavior. We use standard lab techniques such as acoustic recording and playback, breeding experiments and DNA manipulations, to determine the behavioral states of crickets and how they evolve.

The Lab Technician provides standard lab support for studies of cricket behavior. This involves daily care of crickets and preparation and collection of behavior data. Other responsibilities may include:

• Assist with crickets to maintain healthy colonies.
• Perform behavioral trials for phenotypes (standard data collection)
• Record and input experimental data using straightforward software
• Maintenance of simple laboratory records and databases
• Assist investigators with cleaning laboratory equipment and overall laboratory hygiene
• Complete training on lab safety and proper handling of chemicals as required by CALS EHS.

This is a full-time position (39 hours/wk.) at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

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; 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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma and up to 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Prior experience in a laboratory setting.
• Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab setting and proper waste handling.
• Experience with Microsoft office suite – including Word, PowerPoint and Excel and familiarity with outlook.
• Ability to communicate verbally and written with faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Must be personable, flexible, punctual, possess excellent organizational and communication skills and take pride in their work.
• Be familiar with and follow safety protocol and procedures at all times.
• Must be able to carry out experiments to completion with moderate guidance.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment to accomplish required tasks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or interest in insect care or rearing.

Your completed application must include both a cover letter and resume. We have found it most efficient to save as one document prior to attaching. Applications will be accepted through 7/14/2026.

Pay Range: $22.70 - $23.56

Remote Option Availability:
Onsite