Research Support Specialist I- Laboratory Manager- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering

Research Support Specialist I- Laboratory Manager

Position Summary

The research support specialist will assist  preparing research reports and papers; review research literature; conduct library/internet searches; select and recommend research data/information in accordance with research assignment; assist with preliminary grant proposals and monitor grant budgets; assist principal investigator in planning, designing, implementing, conducting, and analyzing experiments and/or research projects according to plan; conduct or supervise research experiments and provide preliminary analysis; plan and assign work of staff working in laboratory or work unit; construct, maintain, clean and make minor repairs to specialized equipment or facilities; coordinate the collection, preparation, verification, and analysis of moderately complex data; may research, tabulate, graph and map moderately complex data; write computer programs and/or plan the interface among two or more computerized systems involved in the research experiment; Oversee purchasing and procure non-routine equipment and materials; ensure materials and equipment inventories are adequate; set up experiment equipment and materials; provide advice and instruction in the routine use of equipment and laboratory techniques; maintain microbial cultures; schedule routine use of equipment, materials, laboratory/work unit, and other implements; implement appropriate laboratory safety and waste disposal protocols for compliance.

The research support specialist will provide on-the-job training, guidance, advice and counsel to other employees in the group. 

The position includes responsibilities for providing senior-level technical lab support by performing a broad range of complex laboratory and research related tasks for a program and/or facility; development and maintenance of non-routine records and databases; conduct of advanced technical research; preparation of complex stains, media, buffers and reagents; preparation and maintenance of complex cell cultures for experimentation; and performance of a variety of complex cell assays, and analyses; assisting in the development of new experimental protocols; assisting in the preparation of scientific articles; providing experimental assistance to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; supervising the work of undergraduate and masters students, interns, and providing oversight and day to day supervision for temporary employees during the semester and in the summer; maintaining and organizing the laboratory area; maintaining stocks of experimental supplies; overseeing and coordinating safety training sessions and maintaining a safe working environment; and building a maintaining a positive working environment and culture.

Communicate with EHS personnel and routine safety inspectors to ensure adherence to safety and training requirements. Attend EHS training courses to remain current in Chemical Safety, disposal of sharps and chemical and biohazardous wastes. Provide guidance and training for department safety evaluation that the University, College and EHS describe. Conduct periodic reviews of the department safety guidelines and keep the department updated on new information.

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.

This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension contingent upon funding, available work, and performance.

Department Background

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 prove 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 Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) is one of the largest of its kind in the country, with a very diverse faculty, staff, and student population. The department serves three integrated functions: teaching undergraduate and graduate students, researching problems in biology and the environment, and public outreach to help society implement new knowledge.

The Barstow Lab in molecular and synthetic biology support projects at the intersection of synthetic biology and sustainable energy.

What We Need

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related fields and 2-4 years of relevant experience in techniques of molecular or synthetic biology  or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work independently once procedures are demonstrated.
• Ability to change work assignments when needed.
• Must be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches.
• Excellent organizational experience.
• Knowledge of how to balance conflicting priorities, make informed decisions, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.
• Knowledge of prioritizing multiple activities and tasks while meeting established time frames.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Unix operating system.
• Familiarity with Python programming language
• Familiarity with software maintenance
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Awareness regarding protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment to accomplish required tasks to achieve objectives.
• Aptitude to identify opportunities for process improvements and then implement them.
• Ability to create an inclusive, high-quality, and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve departmental and university goals.
• 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.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.

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.

• Masters of Engineering degree.
• Experience working independently on projects in molecular, micro, and synthetic biology, computer programming, electronics fabrication, microcontrollers, and machining.
• Aptitude to learn new tools and techniques regarding interdisciplinary research.          

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.

   

University Job Title:

Research Support Spec I

   

Job Family:

Academic Support

   

Level:

E

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

$65,447.00 - $75,632.00

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

Endowed

   

Contact Name:

J'Frances White

   

Contact Email:

jmw572@cornell.edu

   

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2025-11-13