Technician III - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Holgerson Lab

   

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (E&EB) supports research across ecological scales, from population and community ecology to biogeochemistry and ecosystems to evolutionary biology and genetics.  While our Department has broad research interests, we are unified in understanding that understanding ecological and evolutionary processes requires operating at all levels of organization, from organisms to ecosystems.

The Holgerson Lab studies freshwater community and ecosystem ecology, including how organism and ecosystem processes interact and respond to environmental change. Current research questions focus on freshwater greenhouse gas production and emissions, ecosystem metabolism, physical water column mixing, and phytoplankton communities. Projects include field studies, small-scale and whole-ecosystem experiments, and collaborations to scale local observations to global patterns.

Under general direction of the PI, the technician will provide support for field projects and laboratory research.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Sample waterbodies by wading or by boat (typically kayak or canoe) for greenhouse gases, water chemistry, sediments, plants (e.g., phytoplankton, macrophytes), and animals (e.g., zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, amphibians, fishes). Transport samples from field sites to the research lab.

• Conduct field work in a wide range of weather conditions at local and regional sites, including some overnight travel within New York State.

• Support a year-round field sampling campaign of phytoplankton and zooplankton at Cornell’s experimental ponds. Note this includes winter field work.

• Assist in the set-up, takedown, and maintenance of experiments, both in the field and lab.

• Oversee preparation of samples for chemical analyses, including filtering, drying, grinding, and weighing samples.

• Identification of zooplankton, macroinvertebrate, amphibian, fish, and plant samples.

• Analysis of water samples, including dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll a.

• Use gas chromatography to analyze greenhouse gas samples (CO2, CH4, N2O).

• Assist in set-up, operation, and arranging for maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.

• Maintain lab research databases and laboratory records, including interfacing with collaborators (e.g., Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON)).

• Perform data entry and summarize data using computer spreadsheets and technical software (e.g., R, ArcGIS).

• Contribute data findings for inclusion in reports or articles.

• Ensure the proper ordering of inventory and supplies and maintain orderliness of research lab.

• Ensure all laboratory protocols and procedures adhere to disease control, radiation, and chemical safety requirements.

• Coordinate undergraduate student assistance and ensure they have taken proper lab safety training courses. Curate and manage undergraduate schedules in the lab, and oversee undergraduate research protocols.

• Maintain orderliness of research lab spaces and field sites (including lab space at Cornell Experimental Ponds).

• Provide care for research specimens and/or samples.

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, 12-month appointment with possible extension pending available funding and successful 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 year relevant experience or equivalent combination. 

• Attention to detail and order, manual dexterity, and ability to multi-task are required. 

• Must possess excellent organizational and communication skills; be personable, flexible, and proactive; and take pride in their work. 

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, and staff. 

• Must have good knowledge of basic laboratory instruments and safety protocols and guidelines. 

• Knowledge of and experience with computer programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

• Must be willing to learn new field and laboratory skills. 

• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment to accomplish required tasks.

• Ability to work with hazardous chemicals and biohazards and to adhere to lab safety protocols and procedures.

• Ability to regularly lift 20-50 pounds and safely conduct outdoor field work in and near waterbodies.

• Must be able to swim.

• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Drivers License and be cleared to drive for university business Must have 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 or Master’s degree with a major in biological sciences, environmental sciences, or similar field.

• 2-4 years of field and laboratory experience.

• Experience with water chemistry analysis, greenhouse gas sampling, data analysis skills in R, spatial data skills in GIS.

• Proficient in basic limnological field sampling and laboratory analyses.

   

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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

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• Unique applicable skills

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

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2023-12-21