Research Support Specialist

The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking a highly qualified professional to support new and ongoing research focused on small molecule quantification. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research involving analytical chemistry, chromatography, natural products chemistry, and ecotoxicology.

The successful candidate will work with researchers, students, and laboratory staff to support chemical analysis, data collection and interpretation, laboratory operations, and research activities. The position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Contract College position based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Work hours will be mutually agreed upon at the time of hire.

• Operate and maintain GC-MS/MS instrumentation and be familiar with LC-MS/MS instrumentation to support small molecule quantification and research.
• Coordinate chemical extraction, sample preparation, data collection, analysis, and basic statistical analysis of environmental and chemistry samples.
• Evaluate, interpret, and summarize analytical data and communicate results to researchers and other clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, computers, facilities, and supplies, including ordering materials and coordinating purchases and waste disposal.
• Develop and maintain laboratory protocols and ensure research activities comply with safety requirements.
• Train and superv... (continue with the exact list as originally provided)

The Department of Entomology was founded in 1896 at Cornell Agri Tech in Geneva, New York.

Our mission is threefold: to pursue studies to understand basic and applied aspects of insect biology; to provide a robust and modern curriculum as part of preeminent undergraduate and graduate programs; and to inform and educate the public about the issues related to insects and other arthropods.

Our faculty primarily works on two campuses:
Cornell University’s main campus in Ithaca and Cornell Agri Tech in Geneva. We also work in two agricultural field stations in New York state. Our department houses some of the world’s preeminent resources for the study of entomology, including one of the world’s largest insect collections, working farms of all sizes, a major honey bee colony and state-of-the-art laboratories.

We are seeking a team-oriented and collaborative professional who is highly organized, works well in a fast‑paced environment, and builds positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Additionally, you will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree or completion of a four‑year formal training program in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or a related science, plus 2 to 4 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A strong background and research experience in analytical chemistry, chromatography, and interest in ecotoxicology.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work independently as well as part of a research team. Applicants should be comfortable with basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Photoshop, as well as specialized chromatography programs including Chromeleon and Trace Finder.
• The ability to manage databases in Excel and perform basic statistical analyses in R.
• The ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide variety of people while creating a high‑quality and respectful work environment.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity are required.
• The ability to lift 20-50 pounds.
• Expe…