EGCF Technician
Listed on 2026-08-29
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Research/Development
Lab Tech / Assistant, Biology, Research Assistant/Associate
EGCF Technician
Working Title:
EGCF Technician (Onsite, 1 year, Fulltime, Fixed Term with Benefits)
This is a 1 year term appointment which may be ended or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance.
This is a full-time (39 hours per week) onsite term appointment which may be ended after 1 year or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance.
About the Ashley School – Natural Resources & the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
The eDNA and Genomics Core Facility sits with CALS' new Ashley School for the Environment and Development. For over a decade, it has provided analysis and interpretation services to the Cornell community and external clients. Its partners include many divisions of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation who are interested in detecting species invasions, protecting rare species, and assessing biodiversity patterns in ecosystems.
The Opportunity
The position is located within the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to support our Research Operation focused on environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental genomics applications. This role will involve preparing sequencing libraries, performing PCR and qPCR assays, maintaining lab stocks, managing inventory, and keeping meticulous records. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in a range of molecular biology techniques, strong organizational skills, and a passion for environmental science.
What You Will Do
Lab & Research Support
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) Processing & DNA Extraction
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Library Preparation
- qPCR and Multiplex PCR Analysis
- Laboratory Operations & Inventory Management
- Laboratory Maintenance & Team Collaboration
Data Collection/Documentation
- Accurate recordkeeping and data management are critical to the success of the facility.
Laboratory Cleaning and Sanitation and SOPS
- Maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment is an important part of this role.
Safety Requirements
- Safety is a shared responsibility within the EGCF, and this position plays an important role in maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment.
Professional Development & Other Position Related Responsibilities
- Support EGCF success through professional development, collaboration, effective communication, process improvement initiatives, and the completion of additional duties as assigned.
What We Need
A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
- High school Diploma and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination
- Hands-on experience with molecular lab techniques, potentially including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and Illumina library preparation
- Experience inventorying and ordering lab supplies and reagents
- Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and clear record-keeping
- Ability to follow protocols precisely, and troubleshoot problems
- Familiarity with basic data management (Excel, Google Sheets, or similar)
- Ability to maintain project sample inventories and workflow tracking
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (or equivalent)
- Familiarity with environmental DNA (eDNA) methods and associated challenges (e.g. inhibition, degraded and low-concentration DNA)
- Basic data processing and analysis skills (e.g., experience running R scripts)
Important Notes About Applying
- A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
- This position is fully onsite and located on the Ithaca campus.
- This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and…
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