Job Description

The Opportunity The Research Laboratory Technician II position in the Department of Entomology provides routine to moderately complex laboratory support for research on microbiology, immunology, and host–pathogen interactions. The work is centered on Drosophila and mosquito model systems. Responsibilities support ongoing experimental workflows within a research-focused lab environment. About The Buchon Laboratory The Buchon laboratory in the Department of Entomology studies insect immunity, host–microbe interactions, gut physiology, and infection biology using both fruit fly (Drosophila) and mosquito models. The research combines insect rearing, microbiology, infection assays, molecular biology, and functional genetics. A key focus is understanding how immune and stress-response pathways shape host defense, tissue health, and infection outcomes. The lab supports federally funded research programs across both model systems. Key Responsibilities Maintain insect colonies (Drosophila and mosquito systems) and ensure proper specimen care Assist with routine to moderately complex technical support for research activities and facility operations Maintain laboratory records and assist in developing and updating databases Assist with inventory management and ordering of laboratory supplies Maintain sample tracking systems and colony documentation Prepare standard media, buffers, stains, reagents, and other biological materials Perform standard assays, tissue/cell culture preparation, and sample analyses Conduct experiments using established protocols in microbiology, immunology, functional genetics, pathogen exposure/injection, dissections, and molecular biology techniques Support standard testing procedures using routine and specialized laboratory methods Collect, organize, and maintain experimental data and research records Analyze data using basic statistical methods and software tools Maintain and update laboratory databases and documentation systems Clean, sanitize, and maintain laboratory equipment and overall lab environment Follow and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and experimental protocols Assist with equipment setup, assembly, and minor troubleshooting or repairs as directed Prepare laboratory waste for proper disposal according to protocols Follow disease control, chemical safety, and radiation safety protocols Ensure all procedures comply with institutional safety requirements Complete required safety and compliance training (including CALS EHS training) Communicate effectively with supervisors and lab personnel Participate in assigned projects and team activities Contribute ideas for improving lab systems and processes Complete required compliance trainings and ongoing professional development activities What We Need Please submit either a CV or a resume, along with a cover letter, for further consideration. High school diploma and up to 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Prior experience working in a laboratory setting Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and proper waste handling procedures Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with faculty, staff, and students Ability to learn and perform routine to moderately complex laboratory procedures following established protocols and written instructions Ability to build and maintain inclusive, collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members Experience working with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t. Associate or bachelor’s degree in biology, entomology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related field Experience with Drosophila and/or mosquito rearing Experience with microbiology techniques and/or molecular biology methods Experience with dissections, injections, or infection-related laboratory procedures Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records Experience supporting shared laboratory operations in a research lab environment This is a full-time (39 hours/week) Contract College position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5 PM with flexibility as needed. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. Rewards and Benefits Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell. Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell 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. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. University Job Title: Technician II Job Family: Technical Level: B Pay Rate Type: Hourly Pay Range: $23.40 - $24.28 Remote Option Availability: Onsite Company: Contract College Contact Name: Keionda Lewis Contact Email: kll98@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. 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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. 2026-05-15 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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours

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