Research Laboratory Technician II

The Opportunity

The Research Laboratory Technician II position in the Department of Entomology provides routine to moderately complex laboratory support for research on microbiology, immunology, and host-pathogen interactions. The work is centered on Drosophila and mosquito model systems. Responsibilities support ongoing experimental workflows within a research-focused lab environment.

About The Buchon Laboratory

The Buchon laboratory in the Department of Entomology studies insect immunity, host-microbe interactions, gut physiology, and infection biology using both fruit fly (Drosophila) and mosquito models. The research combines insect rearing, microbiology, infection assays, molecular biology, and functional genetics. A key focus is understanding how immune and stress-response pathways shape host defense, tissue health, and infection outcomes. The lab supports federally funded research programs across both model systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain insect colonies (Drosophila and mosquito systems) and ensure proper specimen care
• Assist with routine to moderately complex technical support for research activities and facility operations
• Maintain laboratory records and assist in developing and updating databases
• Assist with inventory management and ordering of laboratory supplies
• Maintain sample tracking systems and colony documentation
• Prepare standard media, buffers, stains, reagents, and other biological materials
• Perform standard assays, tissue/cell culture preparation, and sample analyses
• Conduct experiments using established protocols in microbiology, immunology, functional genetics, pathogen exposure/injection, dissections, and molecular biology techniques
• Support standard testing procedures using routine and specialized laboratory methods
• Collect, organize, and maintain experimental data and research records
• Analyze data using basic statistical methods and software tools
• Maintain and update laboratory databases and documentation systems
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain laboratory equipment and overall lab environment
• Follow and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and experimental protocols
• Assist with equipment setup, assembly, and minor troubleshooting or repairs as directed
• Prepare laboratory waste for proper disposal according to protocols
• Follow disease control, chemical safety, and radiation safety protocols
• Ensure all procedures comply with institutional safety requirements
• Complete required safety and compliance training (including CALS EHS training)
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and lab personnel
• Participate in assigned projects and team activities
• Contribute ideas for improving lab systems and processes
• Complete required compliance trainings and ongoing professional development activities

What We Need

Please submit either a CV or a resume, along with a cover letter, for further consideration.

• High school diploma and up to 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Prior experience working in a laboratory setting
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and proper waste handling procedures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with faculty, staff, and students
• Ability to learn and perform routine to moderately complex laboratory procedures following established protocols and written instructions
• Ability to build and maintain inclusive, collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members
• Experience working with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Associate or bachelor's degree in biology, entomology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related field
• Experience with Drosophila and/or mosquito rearing
• Experience with microbiology techniques and/or molecular biology methods
• Experience with dissections, injections, or infection-related laboratory procedures
• Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Experience supporting shared laboratory operations in a research lab environment

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) Contract College position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5 PM with flexibility as needed. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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