The Opportunity

The Helmann Lab in Cornell’s Department of Microbiology is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support research on the genetics and physiology of Bacillus subtilis. The lab’s research focuses on metal homeostasis and antibiotic stress responses. The position uses a combination of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical approaches to investigate microbial biology.

About The Department of Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is home to 14 active research laboratories and the Graduate Field of Microbiology. With more than 50 affiliated faculty members, the department serves as a center of expertise in microbial biology. Faculty and staff also provide advanced coursework for undergraduate and graduate students.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments using molecular genetics, microbiology, and biochemical techniques.
• Construct and characterize Bacillus subtilis strains using transformation and transduction methods.
• Conduct physiological studies to investigate genetic interactions and changes in gene and protein expression under defined stress conditions.
• Design cloning and assembly strategies to modify or mutate chromosomal targets in B. subtilis and related species.
• Plan and conduct large-scale screening using gene deletion libraries.
• Develop strategies for protein purification and related experimental procedures.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and research data in laboratory notebooks and computerized systems.
• Analyze, interpret, manipulate, and summarize complex research data and prepare reports and other research documentation.
• Conduct literature, library, and internet research to support current and future research projects.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including laboratory organization, cleaning, reagent inventories, and DNA and protein stocks.
• Monitor laboratory equipment, troubleshoot moderately complex equipment issues, and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Order laboratory supplies, replacement parts, and equipment and make purchasing recommendations in accordance with established policies and procedures.

What We Need

For further consideration, please submit either a CV or resume. A cover letter is recommended.

• Associate’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field and up to two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with contemporary molecular cloning and bacterial genetics techniques.
• Experience with standard microbiology and molecular microbiology techniques.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Experience preparing written summaries, reports, and other research documentation.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety protocols, practices, and guidelines.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and online data-sharing tools such as Dropbox and Google Docs.
• Ability to maintain organized laboratory equipment, materials, supplies, and workspaces.
• Strong attention to detail, visual concentration, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally work irregular hours.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory experience (2+ years).
• Previous hands-on experience with bacterial genetics.
• Previous hands-on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and DNA sequencing technologies and data handling.
• Experience with protein purification methods.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies and data processing.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. The final schedule will be established in collaboration with the supervisor. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension, depending on 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.

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