Research Associate, Research Scientist

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.

Position Function

The Department of Entomology is seeking a highly qualified Research Associate to lead new and ongoing research on small molecule quantification. The Research Associate should have significant expertise in analytical chemistry, chromatography, natural products chemistry, and ecotoxicology.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operate and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS machinery for quantification of small molecules.

• Plan and assign work to staff regarding chemical extraction and preparation of environmental samples to be analyzed for small molecules.

• Use software to evaluate the quality of LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS data and quantify known and unknown small molecules according to user needs.

• Summarize LC and/or GC data and communicate results with researchers and other clients.

• Construct, maintain, clean, and make minor repairs to specialized equipment or facilities.

• Maintain equipment and computers in the lab, including set up of new equipment.

• Responsible for data collections and data analysis with minimal input from supervisor.

• Conduct statistical analyses of chemistry data.

• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory protocols.

• Write, revise, and proofread manuscripts, grants, and reports.

• Write protocols for laboratory procedures.

• Ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements.

• Assist in supervising students working on projects.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY.

Anticipated Division of Time

Mass Spectrometer Operation (40%):

• Operate and maintain LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS machinery for quantification of small molecules.
• Use software to evaluate the quality of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS data and quantify known and unknown small molecules according to user needs.
• Summarize LC and/or GC data and communicate results with researchers and other clients.

Research (Experiments, record keeping, and data analysis, 30%):

• Plan and assign work to staff regarding chemical extraction and preparation of environmental samples to be analyzed for small molecules.
• Write, revise, and proofread manuscripts, grants, and reports.
• Delegate basic tasks to graduate students, postdoctoral associates, or staff when necessary.
• Train and supervise undergraduate students in standard research and lab procedures, including the preparation of standard laboratory media.
• Conduct library research and network with library staff when necessary.
• Prepare standard stains, media, buffers, and reagents.
• Perform other routine research under the supervision of the laboratory PI.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and overall laboratory hygiene.
• Prepare and dispose of laboratory waste.
• Train and supervise undergraduate lab assistants.
• Oversee lab cleanliness and contribute to general…