Subject: Research Technician III – Casteel Lab – Cornell University
Research Technician III – Casteel Lab
Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
STARTING DATE: December 1, 2023
LOCATION: Plant Science Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
SUMMARY: Research support in plant-microbe-insect interactions
The Casteel lab is seeking a highly qualified Research Technician III. The successful applicant will play a crucial role in supporting daily laboratory activities and contribute to ongoing and new research projects focused on characterizing the function of microbes in plant resilience and plant-insect interactions. A primary goal of the research in year one for this position will be advancing the development of soil microbiome sequencing technologies and plant resilience prediction tools to facilitate rapid decision-making in support of soil health initiatives and organic farms across New York State. This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with a background in bioinformatics, molecular ecology, and/or microbiology. Demonstrated leadership skills will be highly valued.
Required qualifications
– Associate’s degree or other formal training program of two years or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, or related life sciences
– Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing
Preferred qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree or other formal research program of four years or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology, or chemistry
– Experience with short and long read sequencing technology, DNA extraction, library preparation, bioinformatics pipelines. Interest in metabarcoding and metagenomics
Duties and responsibilities
75% – Contribute to research, sequencing technology development and application, project specific management, data entry, and reporting
20% – Lab support and management, and other position related responsibilities
5% – Safety and professional development
This is a full-time (100% FTE) fully in-person 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal for 2 additional years pending performance evaluation and funding. For full consideration applications must be received before Monday October 23rd. The pay range for this position is $22.00-$24.46/hr. For questions regarding this position, contact Drs. Casteel and Bloom at clc269@cornell.edu and ehb64@cornell.edu. Informal inquiries are welcomed! Candidates who identify with groups systematically excluded from biology fields are encouraged to apply.