Research Technician - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Biogeoscience Group

   

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Position Summary

The Houlton group at Cornell University is hiring a full-time Research Technician to support research trials testing the effect of soil amendments on soil carbon sequestration, soil health, and crop performance. The Research Technician will be responsible for performing laboratory experiments and growth chamber experiments with a range of soil amendments (particularly alkaline rock dust), soils, and crops. Laboratory work will be performed in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology on Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY, and growth chamber trials will be performed in Cornell’s world-class Agricultural Experiment Stations on Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY. This project is part of the interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, farmers, ranchers, tribes, NGOs, and policy makers at Cornell and multiple institutions within the Working Lands Innovation Center to demonstrate and optimize farmland carbon capture practices. The goal of the project is to optimize soil carbon capture and storage while improving overall agronomy and soil health.

As a Research Technician, the job primarily involves supporting the leadership in succeeding in their tasks with ongoing research in enhanced rock weathering and nature-based carbon sequestering. Strong interpersonal skills and a good sense of humor are essential pillars for success. While we support professional development and provide initial necessary training, the successful candidate should be able to able to work independently and as part of a team. The job description includes but not limited to the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting growth chamber and field research: The technician will conduct and support scientists in collecting growth chamber experiments and some field sites. The data nature varies but can easily be categorized under agronomy, environmental and atmospheric data. This may involve working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to provide work in a collaborative-independent manner is an essential part of success in this role.

• Operating and maintaining equipment: The technician will assist in the operation of scientific instruments and equipment, including sensors, data loggers, and GPS devices. The technician may also be responsible for maintaining and calibrating the equipment.

• Data collection and analysis: The technician will collect and record data from laboratory experiments and field sites as instructed by the leadership. The technician will also perform data analysis, which may include basic statistical analysis, graphing, and visualizations.

• Research documentation: The technician will be responsible for 1. Accurate and detailed documentation of research procedures, results, and analysis and 2. Communicating the recorded data effectively an in an accessible manner.

• Safety protocols: The technician will be responsible for adhering to safety protocols in the field and laboratory, including proper handling of equipment, chemicals, and hazardous materials as administered by the Institute’s policies and regulations.

• Collaboration: The technician will work closely with scientists, researchers, and other technicians to collect and analyze data, troubleshoot problems, and discuss findings. Ability to take feedback is integral so success.

• Administrative duties: The technician will be responsible for administrative duties such as ordering supplies and managing inventory – training will be provided.

• Other duties as assigned: The technician may be required to perform other duties as assigned by the leadership of the research team.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically 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.

This is a full time 40 hours/week position. This position is a one-year term, with possibility of annual renewal based on availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.

• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Drivers License and be cleared to drive for university business.

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing. Successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Successful experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant sciences or related discipline from an accredited institute

• Minimum of two years of successful work experience as evident via reference check and/or publication record.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and cover letter discussing your qualifications and interest in the position.  Applications will not be considered without both submitted documents.

When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume/CV and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday .

For informal inquiries about the position, contact Dr. Linah Ababneh via email: [email protected] .

   

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University Job Title:

Technician III

Job Family:

Technical

Level:

C

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$22.00 - $24.46

Remote Option Availability:

Fully Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Amanda Anderson

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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2024-04-11