Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician - L. Sosnoskie Team (Horticulture Section); Geneva, New York

Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician

Nonexempt
Section of Horticulture

Cornell AgriTech

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Geneva, New York

Who We Are

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: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

Cornell AgriTech serves an evolving agricultural sector that remains an economic engine for New York state, valued at over $36.7 billion a year. Originally established by an act of the New York State Legislature on June 26, 1880, "for the purpose of promoting agriculture in its various branches by scientific investigation and experiment", Cornell AgriTech has grown to become the important hub for food and agriculture research and extension that it is today.

As the only horticulture program in the Ivy League, our faculty,staffand students work to shape the food systems and landscapes of today and tomorrow. Our faculty work across New York to make discoveries and share knowledge about fruits, vegetables and landscape plants.They are called on by farmers, golf course managers, urban foresters, government officials and many others to solve problems around the globe.

What You Will Do

As the Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician, you will assist with field, laboratory, and technology-based research activities supporting weed management and precision agriculture projects. Duties include:

• Assisting with the establishment, maintenance, and evaluation of field research plots

• Conducting visual weed control ratings and crop injury assessments using standardized scales

• Assisting with setup, calibration, and deployment of field-based robotic systems

• Entering and organizing field data in spreadsheets or research databases

• Conducting preliminary data checks for accuracy and completeness

• Preparing field supplies and equipment prior to research activities

• Assisting with harvest data collection and sample processing

• Following all institutional, pesticide safety, and field research safety protocols

What We Need

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in an outdoor research environment. We need someone who is interested in agriculture, working outdoors, and working as part of a team. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• High School Diploma and completed coursework in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, agricultural engineering, environmental science, biology, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40-50 pounds (field equipment, sensors, etc.)

• Basic understanding of plant identification (crops and weeds)

• Careful and accurate data collection skills

• Basic computer proficiency (Excel, Google Sheets, or similar data entry platforms)

• Willingness to learn operation of field-based robotic or sensor systems

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to follow detailed research protocols

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Good organizational and time-management skills

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Associate's Degree in plant biology, botany, weed science, crop science, plant physiology, agricultural systems, or precision agriculture

• Experience with:

  • Field research or agricultural labor

  • Herbicide trials or weed management research

  • Small plot equipment

  • Robotics, sensors, drones, or autonomous systems

  • GPS or GIS software, Multispectral or NDVI data collection

  • Basic statistical software (R, SAS, or similar)

  • Programming experience (Python, Arduino, ROS, etc.)

• Familiarity with weed identification at seedling and mature stages

• Data management and quality control procedures

• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with troubleshooting equipment

This position is a temporary full-time (39 hours/week) position with a fixed term of May 1, 2026, to September 1, 2026, and will be located in Geneva, New York.

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability initiatives.

• Compensation is $22.00/hour.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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