Technician III | Plant Path & Plant-Microbe Bio Section | School of Integrative Plant Science, CALS at Cornell University in ithaca, New York

Job Description:

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

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

Dr. Perry's research focuses on i) oversight of the NY State Foundation Seed Potato Tissue Culture Program, ii) research on plant viruses, principally those of grapevine and potato, and iii) the diagnostic detection of plant viruses and other pathogens. Objectives in the potato tissue culture program are: to ensure the successful and timely introduction and release of potato cultivars developed in the Cornell potato breeding program, to perform pathogen testing and tissue culture maintenance of the potato cultivars of importance to NY seed potato growers and the NY potato industry, and to facilitate the development of golden nematode resistant potato varieties at Cornell for NY State. The objective for the research on plant viruses is the characterization of viral genomes and virus particles, with an emphasis on high throughput sequencing methods. The objective of work on the diagnostic detection of plant viruses is to develop and implement biochemical and serological assays for plant pathogens, primarily those encountered in potato tissue culture and work with grapevine planting stocks.

What You Will Do

The candidate will work with Dr. Perry to maintain a potato tissue culture collection in vitro, to provide technical assistance with biochemical techniques required for the diagnostic detection of pathogen specific nucleic acids and proteins, to analyze virus genomes, prepare nucleic acid libraries and perform analyses of high throughput sequencing data.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• providing logistical support for experimental activities of other laboratory staff associated with this research, including the procurement of supplies and the maintenance of equipment


• the serological testing for viruses of plants


• the maintenance and propagation of greenhouse plants and assistance with plant growth facilities


• inoculations of plants with pathogens extraction and purification of nucleic acids from plants


• enzymatic manipulations of nucleic acids, including DNA amplification, labeling, DNA library preparation and data analyses


• routine plant tissue culture media preparation and potato tissue culture plant transfer


• introduction of new potato introductions into tissue culture


• record keeping for all of the above activities, including written summaries and descriptions of experimental work.

This is a full-time (39 hours per week) one-year position with possible extension depending on available funding and performance.

What We Need

We are looking for someone with the following qualifications:

• Associate's degree or equivalent


• 1 to 2 years experience in some combination of plant tissue culture, performing serological and nucleic acid assays, the extraction and purification of nucleic acids and proteins, and the enzymatic manipulations of nucleic acids.


• Excellent analytical skills.


• Some of the work can be repetitive and require focus and commitment.


• Must possess computer expertise in statistical and standard business software such as word processing and spreadsheets to manipulate and analyze data.


• Ability to identify problem areas in experimental work.


• Experience in maintaining and propagating plants and knowledge of standard greenhouse practices.


• Must be personable, flexible, possess excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and oral), and must take pride in the work conducted.


• Visual concentration and manual dexterity are required.


• Willing to work under varying field conditions and with crop plants.


• Must verbally communicate clearly with employees, faculty, unit managers, and other research personnel on a regular basis.


• Keen awareness at all times that protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements.


• Must be physically capable of performing substantial manual labor associated with this position.


• Highly motivated and exhibits innovation, good judgment and reliability in the work place.


• Ability to create an inclusive, high-quality and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve departmental and university goals.

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, to include:

• Preferred training in specific laboratory biochemical techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extractions)


• Skills in utilizing standard culturing techniques for microorganisms


• Experience in working with pathogens of plants

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and generous retirement contributions.


• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays: e.g., an end-of-year winter break, from December 25th through January 1st.


• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program.


• We invite you to follow this link to get more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/documents/benefits_overview_cc.pdf
  

How to Apply:

You must submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Working Conditions:

* Essential Physical Requirements: Typically lifts 20 to 50 lbs

* Visual: Acute concentration/eye-hand coordination

* Hazards: Chemicals/safety precautions

University Job Title:

Technician III

Level:

C

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kate Nicholson

Number of Openings:

1

Current Employees:

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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:

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 University's Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email atowdi@cornell.edu.

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

2021-06-17-07:00 Apply Now