Cornell University, Entomology/CALS

3108 18291
Position ID:Cornell-Entomology/CALS-RESASSOCMCART [#18291]
Position Title: Research Associate
Position Type:Other
Position Location:Ithaca, New York 14853, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Biology
Appl Deadline:2021/04/15 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/03/11, finished 2021/07/28, listed until 2021/05/01)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Research Associate 
Department of Entomology
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Ithaca, NY

 College Description: 

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. 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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.  CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.

Summary:

A research associate position is available in the laboratory of Scott McArt at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA).  This Research Associate will be responsible for the quantification of small molecules via HPLC-MS and managing the day-to-day activities in the Cornell Chemical Ecology Core Facility (CCECF; https://blogs.cornell.edu/ccecf/). Activities include overseeing a part-time analytical chemist technician, operating the HPLC-MS for small molecule analysis, regular maintenance, budgeting, billing, and interacting with users about methods and interpretation. Work effort and responsibilities will be split between McArt’s laboratory in the Department of Entomology (75%) and the CCECF (25%), which share physical space.

Job Description/Position Function:

Pollinator-Pesticide Exposure Research (75%): 

The individual will perform chemical extraction and analysis of environmental samples (e.g., pollen, wax, bees) to assess the of pollinators to pesticides in multiple application contexts. A multi-residue HPLC-MS pesticide analysis method currently exists, which will be expanded and optimized. Additional possibilities exist to use GC-MS and/or LC-HRMS depending on availability of machinery and skills of the applicant.

Additional responsibilities will include managing a user-service HPLC-MS machine (Thermo TSQ Quantis), open to a collaborative community of chemical ecologists within and outside of Cornell. This latter work will involve analysis of plant/insect hormones, plant secondary chemistry, pesticide residues, and method development for new chemicals that users wish to quantify.

The Research Associate will contribute substantially to research and scholarly activities including designing experiments and protocols, statistical analyses, and writing of grants and manuscripts for publication in collaboration with the PI. The Research Associate will also collaborate on research projects with postdoctoral associates, graduate and undergraduate researchers in the lab, in an effort to generate publishable results with trainees and students as lead authors or co-authors.

Publication, presentation, and reporting (20%): The successful candidate will work with the PI to analyze and publish results from the laboratory in peer reviewed journals, and will provide understandable summaries of data and statistical tests to the PI when requested.

Supervision and Administration (5%): The research associate will:

-        Supervise undergraduate students in basic analytical chemistry techniques and sample preparation. Approval of hours when appropriate to work-study;

-        Be responsible for supervision of analytical equipment (HPLC-MS, tissue homogenizer, nitrogen evaporator, etc.) and will create equitable schedules for the use and maintenance of this equipment by graduate students and (when applicable) undergraduate researchers.

Term of position:

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position and will be located in (Ithaca, New York). This is a (one-year) appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Required Qualifications:

-        PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, ecology/evolutionary biology, or other closely related, relevant field;

-        Demonstrated experience in analytical chemistry;

-        Prior experience with HPLC-MS or related technologies;

-        Experience managing students in research settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

-        Prior experience with HPLC-MS, GC-MS, HRMS, NMR or related technologies to identify and quantify pesticides and/or natural products from insects, plants, fungi, microbes or other environmental samples;

-        Training in experimental design and statistical data analysis, with strong writing skills demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Salary:  commensurate with experience

Application Instructions:  Interested applicants should submit a CV, letter of interest, research statement (1-2 pages max), contact information for 3 references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion via Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/18291.  Deadline for applications is 04/15/2021.  If you have questions about this position, please email  shm33@cornell.edu.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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Employment Assistance:

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

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

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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.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
  • Unique applicable skills.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://entomology.cals.cornell.edu/
email address
 
2126 Comstock Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853