Technician III - Plant Breeding and Genetics

Details

Posted: 27-Mar-24

Location: Ithaca, New York

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 3-80244

Technician III - Plant Breeding and Genetics

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

About SIPS: The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. Combined there are 100+ faculty, ~200 undergraduate majors, 200+ graduate students in six fields, and 600+ other employees located in Ithaca, Geneva, and other satellite locations across New York State. The School offers the multidisciplinary undergraduate major in the Plant Sciences and is also home to the Agricultural Sciences major. School faculty also contribute to the Biology, Global Development, and Viticulture & Enology majors.

The Plant Breeding & Genetics Section of Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) is dedicated to the genetic improvement of crop plants for the benefit of society through the development of novel breeding methodologies, the discovery and deployment of economically important genes as genetic stocks, germplasm, and varieties, and the training of a new generation of plant breeders. As plant breeders for Cornell University, our vision is to be world leaders in innovative plant breeding research, teaching, and extension. Our mission is accomplished through diverse research, teaching, and extension activities ranging from the molecular study of crop plant genomes to development of superior crop varieties. Our scientists collaborate with others to integrate the knowledge, information, and expertise from a range of disciplines to produce new knowledge and unique germplasm. Students in the Field of Plant Breeding represent diverse interests and come from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.

The primary focus of the Gore research program in the Plant Breeding and Genetics Section is the genetic study of plant traits important for the resilience and sustainability of the agroecosystem. The main focus of this position is to assist with the CERCA (Circular Economy that Reimagines Corn Agriculture) project, which is a large multi-institutional project aimed at transforming US grain farmland into a net-negative component of a circular bio-economy and reducing global greenhouse gases. The ultimate aim of the project is to develop corn that can survive and thrive in early season plantings and has reduced environmental impacts. Our research will focus on understanding how the biochemical composition of maize tissue affects soil carbon and nitrogen cycling in efforts to reduce green house gases.

Position Summary:

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.

The main responsibilities of this position include the following:

• Engage in fieldwork with an emphasis on soil science and plant science, involving tasks such as soil and tissue sampling. Utilize specialized instruments, including gas analyzers, to measure soil phenotypes.
• Conduct diverse laboratory tasks, encompassing the preparation and processing of soil and plant samples for genotyping and phenotyping analysis. Additionally, engage in activities such as designing, setting up, and analyzing various soil incubations.
• Support overall lab and field operations, encompassing responsibilities such as ordering supplies for both laboratory and fieldwork, managing stock levels, providing guidance and supervision to undergraduates, maintaining comprehensive inventories and records, and overseeing safety protocols and organization in both field and lab settings.
• Providing/receiving data and other information to/from research collaborators within and outside of the university.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) one-year appointment with possible extension depending upon 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 New York State driver's license and be able to comply with Cornell's DOT policies.
• Experience with field crops or other aspects of agricultural crop production highly desirable.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly throughout the day.
• Attention to detail and organization skills are critical.
• Must be able to work extended hours.
• Proven demonstrated ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Must demonstrate effective listening skills, sound judgment, excellent reasoning and decision-making skills, meticulous record keeping and ability to work with diverse personalities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a coordinated and cordial fashion with members of the program.
• Must have demonstrated ability to handle sensitive/ confidential material in a professional manner.
• Must be proficient in computer programs including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Close concentration and visual attention are required.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and worked in a soil science research program for at least one year.
• Has or willing to obtain category 1A and 4 Certified Pesticide Applicators license.
• Previous experience working in the agriculture field.
• Previous experience with soil science and soil microbiology with a focus on carbon and nitrogen cycling.
• Proficient in utilizing specialized tools and equipment, including plant physiological instruments and gas analyzers.

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:

Joan Olson

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)

Union Positions

Current Employees:

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Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-03-25