Career Center

Technician III

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.

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

The College of Agriculture and Life Science 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 pose 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.

The New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech (CoE) is committed to improving people's lives and livelihoods by growing New York's vibrant food and agriculture economy statewide, and supporting innovation and leadership in those sectors. The CoE is an economic development hub for the state's food, beverage and agriculture industries. The CoE cultivates business growth and job creation opportunities by connecting businesses and entrepreneurs to the resources they need to scale and thrive. The strategy and goal is to push entrepreneurs and startups to commercialize new innovations; pull food, beverage and agriculture-related businesses to locate in New York; and grow existing food, beverage and agriculture-related businesses.

In keeping with Cornell's Land Grant Mission to create and apply knowledge with a public purpose, the CoE strives to support companies and entrepreneurs that are committed to finding innovative solutions to feed a growing global population ,while aiming to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment. The CoE works with programs within Cornell to integrate the disciplines of chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, biotechnology, and engineering to ensure that established companies and entrepreneurs in New York state have access to technology and the resources necessary to develop the solutions needed to achieve these goals.

The Cornell Fermentation Farming Lab (CFFL) is a newly created program of Cornell AgriTech. Its main purpose is to provide comprehensive assistance to beginning and established food entrepreneurs in New York focused on using fermentation processes to produce foods and food ingredients. The CFFL offers services, access to facilities and equipment, and research development opportunities in precision and biomass fermentation processes, including microbial culture identification, development and maintenance, fermentation optimization and downstream processing at laboratory and pilot scale.

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

The successful candidate will provide laboratory and analytical support for the CFFL. Primary activities involve maintaining and organizing laboratory records, materials, tools, equipment and reagents; perform basic literature review on topics related to ongoing projects; isolate, cultivate and identify microorganisms of interest and maintain culture collections; cultivate microorganisms in batch and continuous processes, perform analysis related to microbial cultivations, including pH, acidity, near-infrared spectrum analysis, liquid and gas chromatography; prepare and monitor fermentation processes in laboratory bench scale and pilot scale; develop and execute downstream processing at bench and pilot scale.

This is a full time, one-year term appointment with possibility of extension, dependent on funding and performance.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Experience working with diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing programs.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Associate degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology or related areas and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination. Must demonstrate ability to handle sensitive/confidential material in a professional manner. Sound judgment, excellent reasoning and decision-making skills, meticulous record keeping and attention to details, and ability to work effectively with people of diverse personalities and backgrounds. Proceed independently on regular tasks consulting with supervisor on questionable situations. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work well with others while creating a high- quality and respectful work environment. Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies. Strong ability for multi-tasking in a fast-paced educational outreach setting. Strong computer skills including Excel, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Office programs, and web site management. Proven ability to complete tasks/assignments in an efficient, safe and timely manner. Demonstrated ability to work independently yet be an effective contributor to team efforts. Will be a self-starter with the ability to troubleshoot and suggest solutions to problems. Very efficient, service oriented and a fast learner. Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the university.

Must possess and maintain valid driver license. Since driving is required, completing a successful driving background check is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in university-based laboratories or extension programs. Familiarity with biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, and industrial fermentation processes.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

No relocation assistance is available for this position.

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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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

Union Positions

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Employment Assistance:

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.

Notice to Applicants:

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.