Technician I

The Opportunity

As a university founded to be a place where "?any person can find instruction in any study," inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all.  Cornell Core values 

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.    

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell.  These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

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 Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) department at Cornell is world-class and conducts research and teaching in the area of molecular biology and genetics. The Murphy Lab is part of the MBG and focuses on advancing our understanding of gene regulation and cellular identity through innovative experimental approaches. The lab utilizes mouse stem cells and zebrafish embryos to study cellular programming, epigenetics, and gene expression control. We apply next-generation genomics tools alongside bioinformatics methods to analyze and interpret complex datasets. Through this work, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing embryonic development, reproduction, and inheritance.

A research technician position is available in the Murphy Lab within the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. The lab focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that regulate gene expression, cellular identity, and developmental programming. Using mouse stem cells and zebrafish embryos as model systems, the lab investigates epigenetic regulation and gene expression control during embryonic development, reproduction, and inheritance. By integrating next-generation genomics technologies with bioinformatics approaches, the lab aims to uncover core principles governing how cell states are established and maintained.

The position is suited for an energetic and enthusiastic technician who will assist with laboratory experiments and contribute to overall lab organization. Experimental approaches in the lab include cell culture (including mouse stem cells), molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR), gene perturbation methods (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), microscopy, and work with zebrafish and mouse models. The successful applicant should be a fast learner; prior expertise in all techniques is not required. The technician will be responsible for supporting research activities, including setting up experiments, collecting and organizing data, and assisting other lab members. Additional responsibilities include maintaining laboratory reagents and supplies, organizing protocols, managing inventory, and ensuring lab safety documentation is up to date. The role provides opportunities to learn and apply modern genomics tools and bioinformatics methods. For exceptional candidates, there may also be opportunities to develop independent research projects.

This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position requires full on-site presence in the laboratory, located in Ithaca, NY; remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a 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.

Relocation assistance will not be provided.

This is a 1-year full-time position with possible extension depending on funding and/or satisfactory performance.

What We Need

• High school diploma and up to 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination.

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting.

• Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab setting and proper waste handling.

• Experience with Microsoft office suite - including Word, PowerPoint and Excel and familiarity with outlook.

• Ability to communicate verbally and written with faculty, staff and students.

• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

• Assist with management of laboratory supplies, sample organization, and reagent inventories.

• Prepare laboratory waste for proper disposal in accordance with safety protocols.

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative lab environment.

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.

• An associate degree in biology or related fields.

• Experience in molecular biology, cell culture, zebrafish, or bioinformatics.

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.

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

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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.

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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.