Technician III

Culture of Inclusion and Community Standards:

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.

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 Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Biology Section is part of Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS), a large internationally renowned group of academics with abundant interactions and joint projects. Members of the Section collaborate with colleagues working in areas of digital agriculture, microbiology, horticulture, plant breeding, genomics, plant biology, international agriculture and many other areas of the life and agricultural sciences. For more information about SIPS and the PPPMB Section, please visit http://sips.cals.cornell.edu/. The Geneva campus also includes USDA facilities that house two units, the Plant Genetics Resources Unit (PGRU) and the Grape Genetics Research Unit (GGRU), comprised of over 30 staff and scientists who collaborate on a diverse array of research projects. The PGRU serves as the repository for the national apple germplasm collection as well as collections of hemp, other fruit and vegetable crops.

The Grape Sensing, Pathology, and Extension Lab at Cornell University (GrapeSPEC) studies the fundamental and applied science of plant disease sensing to improve early disease detection and management. The Gold Lab studies plant-pathogen interactions at scale with a range of technological approaches, but with specialization in in situ and imaging spectroscopy. We use varying deployments ranging from handheld to proximal, autonomous rovers to spacecraft, to characterize disease physiology and the impacts of management intervention. We combine new sensing technologies, novel analytics, and fundamental plant pathology to improve sustainable disease management and food/nutritional security. Our extension goal is to be trusted and respected source of novel, efficacious, and sustainable grape disease detection and management practices for juice, table, and wine grape production. We support the NY and global grape industry by developing, evaluating, and disseminating knowledge about new control mechanisms, tools, and techniques for grape disease management. Dr. Gold leads the pest and disease risk mitigation arm of NASA Acres and is an internationally recognized expert in remote sensing of plant disease. Her lab's diversely funded research has been featured in a range of media including the LA Times, NASA HQ, Cornell Chronicle, Good Fruit Grower, and The Late Show with Steven Colbert.

Rewards And Benefits:

Position Summary:

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.

Under the direction of the Lab Principal Investigator, the highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented individual will be responsible for managing the operations, organization, project administration, and grant-funded research execution for the Gold Lab. This role encompasses overseeing lab management, training, data coordination, and equipment maintenance. The individual will facilitate effective project implementation, provide logistical planning for lab visits, field data collection and acquisition campaigns, and assist with project and grant administration to ensure the successful execution of research initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Training and Protocol Management: Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all lab equipment, protocols and lab exhibition. Coordinate and deliver training programs for lab members, ensuring all are certified and proficient in data acquisition procedures.
• Lab Calendar Management: Populate, organize, and announce the lab's private and public events to the corresponding stakeholders.
• Lab Organization and Operations: Manage the organization of the lab's physical and digital spaces, ensuring all tools, supplies, and data are stored systematically. Oversee the lab calendar, schedule equipment usage, meetings, and field projects. Maintain inventory and ensure the lab is well-stocked with essential supplies.
• Data and Equipment Oversight: Lead the management and maintenance of lab equipment, including routine checks and troubleshooting. Oversee the lab's transition to the Cornell Advanced Computing Center for data storage and analysis. Implement and maintain an updated electronic lab notebook system and project management software to ensure seamless data documentation and accessibility. Compile, organize, and secure lab data, ensuring accessibility for all lab members. Produce an e-catalog for equipment, data, and other digital resources with detailed guidelines.
• Facilitating Collaboration and Project Implementation: Actively facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and project implementation with collaborating labs. Work closely with external labs to enhance partnerships, ensuring smooth coordination and effective communication across teams for joint research initiatives.
• Administrative and Logistical Support: Provide administrative support, including summarizing and disseminating meeting notes, and coordinating logistics for lab events and field campaigns. Coordinate and provide logistical and technical support, both in the field and in controlled environments, ensuring smooth execution and accurate data collection. Manage the transportation of equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards during fieldwork.
• Project and Grant Administration: Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with project and grant administration, including managing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables. Support the execution of grant-funded projects by tracking milestones, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements. Coordinate with collaborators to align project goals and facilitate successful project execution.
• Communication and Coordination: Act as the central point of contact for lab-related inquiries, fostering effective communication within the team. Organize lab retreats, meetings, and other events to build a collaborative and supportive lab environment.

This is a full-time position with the possibility of extension based on successful performance and continued funding.

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.
• 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.

• Associates degree, or other formal training program of 2 years or equivalent or other formal training program of four years or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and systems oriented thinker
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot delicate equipment. Familiarity with data management systems, such as electronic lab notebooks, and project management tools such as Notion, Asana, and Trello. Experience with lab safety protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and managing technical logistics in a research setting.

• Proficiency in data analysis, storage solutions, and the management of research data. Strong computer skills, including expertise in Excel, database management, and Microsoft Office programs.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. Demonstrated ability to express thoughts clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with lab members and collaborators. Must possess effective listening skills, sound judgment, and excellent reasoning and decision-making abilities. Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy. Experience in facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and managing project implementation in a research lab environment.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects effectively. Proven ability to manage research logistics, including equipment scheduling, inventory management, and coordination of lab activities and meetings. Experience in developing and maintaining comprehensive protocols and training programs. Must demonstrate meticulous record-keeping skills and the ability to handle sensitive or confidential material professionally.

• Must be proactive and autonomous in suggesting and developing new solutions for daily and frequent lab operations using technological tools to improve logistical coordination and productivity.
• Must be able to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced research environment. Flexibility in adapting to new challenges and responsibilities. Ability to work independently while contributing to the team's goals.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed for equipment setup and maintenance. Ability to travel to field sites within and outside of NY state. Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered.
• Prior experience in research project management and administration
• Experience in implementing and maintaining organized digital libraries.
• Prior experience in research project management and administration
• Knowledge of grape production, pests, and pathogens within NY
• Ability to code proficiently in Python, R, or other programming language.
• Experience managing data within advanced computing environments
• Willingness to work in field under extreme temperatures and stressful conditions.
• Technical work experience at Cornell AgriTech or similar institution.

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

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.