Technician III- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section-CALS- Cornell AgriTech

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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

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.

The position is located within the department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva NY. The Holtappels lab focuses on how biotic interactions are shaping plant disease and how we can learn from these ecological principles to design novel disease mitigation strategies in controlled environment agriculture. We tackle these questions using cutting-edge microbiological and molecular techniques including multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics and -viromics) and experimental approaches. The position provides support and assistance to ongoing projects in the lab (characterizing the genomic diversity of plant pathogens in CEA, the importance of mobile genetic elements in the ecology of bacterial pathogens, and the role of bacteriophages in plant disease) as well as lab management and organization.

Specific responsibilities for the position:

• Assist in developing a database and maintaining standard laboratory records.
• Develop laboratory documentation on common procedures and protocols.
• Support in taking environmental samples and isolation of plant pathogens from diseased samples
• Perform DNA and RNA isolations of environmental samples and microbial/viral cultures
• Prepare omics samples
• Prepare media, buffers and reagents.
• Perform a variety of standard microbiological assays, culture preparation and/or analyses.
• Assist in conducting plant bioassays and small-scale greenhouse experiments
• Analyze data using straightforward statistical methods and computer software.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and overall laboratory hygiene.
• Adhere, evaluation, and ensure compliance with disease control and laboratory protocols;
• Adhere to and ensure compliance with chemical, and environmental health and safety procedures.
• Complete training on lab safety and proper handling of chemicals as required by CALS EHS.
• Prepare laboratory waste for proper disposal per protocols.
• Assist with inventory and ordering of supplies as directed.
• Assist in training lab methods, procedures and safety
• Oversee temp/student assistant

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Prior experience in a laboratory setting.
• Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab setting and proper waste handling.
• Experience with Microsoft office suite - including Word, PowerPoint and Excel and familiarity with outlook.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with faculty, staff and students.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education in plant pathology, plant biology, microbial biology, environmental microbiology, evolutionary biology.
• Experience in microbial manipulations (culturing, DNA isolation using commercial kits).
• Experience in molecular techniques (PCR, electrophoresis).
• Experience in plant manipulations.

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