Job Description

About the College

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.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (E&EB) has a distinguished faculty of 25 whose interests range from population and community ecology to biogeochemistry and ecosystems to evolutionary biology and genetics. The Department has a broad but unified mission in teaching and research: broad in that the interests of the faculty span many levels of organization encompassing genes, genotypes, phenotypes, populations, communities, and ecosystems; and unified in that each of these levels interacts with all of the others.

What We Need

As a member of the team, you will provide technical support for the lab. Duties include:

• Support the collection, measurement, and analysis of water, soil, and plant tissue specimens from field trials evaluating enhanced rock weathering as a potential carbon-negative agricultural practice.
• Perform frequent field sampling, measurement, and data collection in accordance with established research protocols and procedures.
• Assist with the analytical measurement of aqueous samples using specialized laboratory instruments, including a total carbon analyzer, pH meter, and laboratory reagents.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of experimental field plots, including applying amendments, planting, installing field instruments, and harvesting crops.
• Monitor and collect soil-pore water, soil, and plant tissue specimens in a range of field environments and weather conditions.
• Record, organize, and prepare data summaries, including conducting preliminary quality checks and performing general summary statistics.
• Assist with laboratory inventory, material preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and general organization of field and laboratory equipment.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, waste disposal procedures, and PPE requirements.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, agronomy, soil science, plant science, ecology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Ability to interpret and accurately follow laboratory protocols while maintaining detailed experimental records.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to perform general laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, instrument calibration, serial dilution, pipetting, and pH measurement.
• Ability to perform physical tasks in the field, including collecting water, soil, and plant tissue samples, and handling materials weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage responsibilities effectively, work independently, and take initiative.
• Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Suite, Google Drive, and Box.
• Ability to adhere to laboratory safety procedures and University requirements for handling chemicals and biological materials.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, and technical personnel.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and a culture of wellbeing.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to two years’ experience working in a research, laboratory, or agricultural setting.
• Demonstrated laboratory and/or field experience analyzing water, soil, plants, or other related research materials.
• Experience recording and maintaining accurate experimental databases, spreadsheets, or research observations.
• Experience with statistical computations and software such as RStudio, or a strong willingness to learn.

This is a six-month, full-time, temporary position at 39 hours/week. This on-site position is located in Ithaca, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $24.00/hour.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

University Job Title:

Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

Job Family:

Temporary Technical

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contact Name:

Sharon Clark

Contact Email:

skc87@cornell.edu

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

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a 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.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-10-19