Department
Center for Plant Biotechnology Research

Summary 
This research assistant will work together with Ascribe for a research project that involves production of transgenic plants and/or cell lines to screen for compounds from soil microbes that induce/prime plant immunity. Responsibilities include but not limited to molecular cloning, culture media preparation, maintenance of cell culture and in vitro plant material, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and analysis of transformants by molecular techniques. In addition, the successful candidate may be required to transfer in vitro plants to greenhouse conditions and be responsible for their maintenance. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Molecular cloning of interesting genes
• Preparation of stock solutions and culture media for plant transformation
• Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation
• Maintenance of  cell/tissue culture
• Experimental design, data collection, and and data analysis
• Maintenance of laboratory records/notes
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment safety as necessary.
• Adherence to laboratory safety protocols
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Certification
Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in plant science, horticulture, biology, microbiology or a related field of study.

Experience and Knowledge
Experience in sterile technique, plant tissue culture, and molecular techniques such as cloning/vector construction, PCR, nucleic acid extraction are highly desirable, but not required. This position requires attention to details, excellent time management, and careful record keeping.

Communication Skills 
Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills are required. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization is required. Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential.

Computer Skills 
The position requires demonstrated proficiency in calendaring, spreadsheet, word processing and powerpoint presentation.

Travel
Travel is generally not required.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions 
The work is conducted in a laboratory, office, and greenhouse setting. The work may entail extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and carrying or lifting potted plants, not to exceed 20 pounds. Generally no adverse environmental conditions are present.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked to perform other duties. BTI has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment.

To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, BTI requires that all successful applicants shall be required to show proof of full vaccination by an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before beginning employment, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted as an accommodation or otherwise. Applicants believing they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, sincerely-held religious belief, or otherwise should inform Human Resources after an offer of employment is extended; please do not include any medical, genetic, or religious information on your application materials.

The Boyce Thompson Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type in regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 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 send a request for assistance to btihr@cornell.edu. BTI prides itself on family-friendly policies and is committed to helping its staff achieve career success with an appropriate work-life balance.

About Boyce Thompson Institute

Working from a sincere interest in issues of social justice, William Boyce Thompson founded The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) in 1924, believing that basic plant research could lead to real societal benefit. BTI’s 15 faculty-run laboratories and greenhouse facilities are staffed by more than 110 researchers from over 40 countries. The research out of these laboratories has the potential to improve important food crops, to demystify plant and human immune systems, and to reveal alternative, sustainable sources of energy. Along with its research, BTI prioritizes environmental stewardship, and outreach to teachers, students, and community members.BTI is an independent, non-profit institution affiliated with Cornell University and located on its Ithaca campus, near the College of Veterinary Medicine on Tower Road

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