Research Associate

Research Associate

      

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 Function

           

The Department of Entomology is seeking a highly qualified Research Associate to lead new and ongoing research on small molecule quantification. The Research Associate should have significant expertise in analytical chemistry, chromatography, natural products chemistry, and ecotoxicology.

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

•    Operate and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS machinery for quantification of small molecules.

•    Plan and assign work to staff regarding chemical extraction and preparation of environmental samples to be analyzed for small molecules.

•    Use software to evaluate the quality of LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS data and quantify known and unknown small molecules according to user needs.

•    Summarize LC and/or GC data and communicate results with researchers and other clients.

•    Construct, maintain, clean, and make minor repairs to specialized equipment or facilities.

•    Maintain equipment and computers in the lab, including set up of new equipment.

•    Responsible for data collections and data analysis with minimal input from supervisor.

•    Conduct statistical analyses of chemistry data.

•    Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory protocols.

•    Write, revise, and proofread manuscripts, grants, and reports.

•    Write protocols for laboratory procedures.

•    Ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements.

•    Assist in supervising students working on projects.

 

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY.

 

Anticipated Division of Time

Mass Spectrometer Operation (40%):

  • Operate and maintain LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS machinery for quantification of small molecules.
  • Use software to evaluate the quality of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS data and quantify known and unknown small molecules according to user needs.
  • Summarize LC and/or GC data and communicate results with researchers and other clients.

 

Research (Experiments, record keeping, and data analysis, 30%):

  • Plan and assign work to staff regarding chemical extraction and preparation of environmental samples to be analyzed for small molecules.
  • Write, revise, and proofread manuscripts, grants, and reports.
  • Delegate basic tasks to graduate students, postdoctoral associates, or staff when necessary.
  • Train and supervise undergraduate students in standard research and lab procedures, including the preparation of standard laboratory media.
  • Conduct library research and network with library staff when necessary.
  • Prepare standard stains, media, buffers, and reagents.
  • Perform other routine research under the supervision of the laboratory PI.
  • Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and overall laboratory hygiene.
  • Prepare and dispose of laboratory waste.
  • Troubleshoot existing procedures.

 

Lab Management (20%):

  • Train and supervise undergraduate lab assistants.
  • Oversee lab cleanliness and contribute to general lab operations.
  • Arrange for maintenance of laboratory equipment and be a liaison with CALS Facilities as needed.
  • Assist graduate students, postdoctoral associates, or staff with basic tasks when necessary.
  • Assist in overall maintenance of lab, including preparation of buffer and stock solutions.
  • Maintain inventory of laboratory chemicals.

 

Other Duties as Assigned (5%): 

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

 

Personal and Professional Development (5%):

Seek out and attend educational seminars and training meetings as required.

 

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • PhD or other formal training program of four years or equivalent in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or related sciences.
  • Strong background and research experience in analytical chemistry, chromatography, and ecotoxicology.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a research team.
  • Applicants should be comfortable with basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Photoshop, as well as specialized chromatography programs including Chromeleon and TraceFinder.
  • Ability to manage databases in Excel and perform basic statistical analyses in R.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide variety of people while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment.
  • Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity are required.
  • Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD and three or more years of postdoctoral experience in chemistry, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, or related sciences.
  • Significant experience operating LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS machinery and quantifying known and unknown small molecules using standards or retention time and MS/MS data.
  • Strong track record of oral and written communication skills, including at least 20 peer-reviewed publications, and creating a high-quality and respectful work environment.

 

Supervision Exercised

 There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

 

 

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32460).

 

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. 

 

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

 

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

 

CALS hiring range for this title is $72,000 - $75,000

 

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

 

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

 

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

 

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

  

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Pay Ranges:

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.
  • Academic Discipline
  • Unique applicable skills.

  


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For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.


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Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.


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2026-08-14

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.