Temporary Laboratory Technician, Geneva, NY

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: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

As a member of the Seed Biology and Technology Program, you will support research activities in seed biology, seed quality, and seed pathology within the Horticulture Section. You will conduct laboratory assays to evaluate seed health, germination, vigor, viability, and seedborne microorganisms. You will also help with core research activities, including processing seed samples and conduct isolation, culturing, identification, and characterization of seedborne and plant-associated microorganisms. Other duties include:

• Assist with experiments involving fungal and bacterial plant pathogens and other biological agents, following approved laboratory biosafety and experimental protocols.
• Prepare media, reagents, solutions, inocula, and other materials required for seed pathology and general seed biology experiments.
• Conduct seed inoculation, treatment, coating, and evaluation experiments as directed by the research team.
• Establish, maintain, monitor, and collect data from greenhouse and growth-chamber experiments involving seeds and plants.
• Perform routine observations, measurements, sampling, and data collection according to established experimental protocols.
• Maintain organized records of samples, treatments, experimental conditions, observations, and results.
• Assist with laboratory inventory, preparation of materials, cleaning, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory organization.
• Enter, organize, and conduct preliminary quality checks of experimental data using spreadsheets or other appropriate software.
• Assist graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty with ongoing research projects and experimental activities.
• Follow all applicable Cornell University laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical hygiene, and waste-disposal requirements.
• Perform other related technical duties necessary to support the research and operational needs of the Seed Biology and Technology Program.
• Occasionally travel to research, greenhouse, field, and grower sites to assist with seed and plant sampling, field experiments, data collection, and other research activities.

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic who has an interest in seed biology and pathology. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, plant science, biology, microbiology, agronomy, seed science, or a closely related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience involving biological samples, microorganisms, seeds, plants, or related research materials.
• Basic knowledge of plant pathology, microbiology, seed biology, or seed health testing.
• Ability to accurately follow established laboratory protocols and maintain detailed experimental records.
• Ability to perform routine laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, pipetting, culture or isolation procedures, microscopy, and/or basic biological assays.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain organized laboratory records, samples, and research materials.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and institutional requirements for handling biological materials.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently to research and field sites as needed.

   

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Experience with seed pathology, seed health testing, or detection of seedborne pathogens.
• Experience isolating, culturing, or identifying plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, or other microorganisms.
• Experience conducting seed germination, vigor, health, or viability assays.
• Experience with plant inoculation experiments and greenhouse or growth-chamber studies.
• Familiarity with aseptic technique and microbiological methods.
• Experience with molecular or diagnostic techniques used in plant pathology or seed health testing, such as DNA extraction, PCR, or related assays.
• Experience with seed treatment research, seed coating, biological seed treatments, or evaluation of treated seed.
• Experience maintaining accurate experimental databases, spreadsheets, or other research records.
• Familiarity with standard seed-testing procedures or ISTA/AOSA methods is desirable.

This is a five-month, temporary, full-time position at 40 hours/week that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This on-site position is located in Geneva, New York. There may be an opportunity to transition to a full-time, position based on performance, funding, and position availability.

Compensation is $24.31/hour.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. 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:

Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

   

Job Family:

Temporary Technical

   

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

   

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

   

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

   

Contact Name:

Sharon Clark

   

Contact Email:

[email protected]

   

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 [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

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.

2026-08-27