Research Technician I
Weill Cornell Medicine · New York, NY
- On site
- Full-time
- $45,822 / year
- New York, NY
Job highlights
- Perform lab assays and experiments.
- Maintain detailed research records.
- Handle cell culture and animal models.
- Conduct molecular biology and biochemistry.
- Support research planning and execution.
About the role
Research Technician I
Weill Cornell Medicine is seeking a Research Technician I to join the Robert Schwartz Lab on the Upper East Side. This role supports scientists with laboratory and investigative procedures, including assays, imaging experiments, and potentially working with animal models or human subjects.
Job Responsibilities
- Prepares and maintains detailed records, logs, and summary reports of all procedures and results, including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.
- May be responsible for tissue & cell culture activities.
- May be responsible for animal husbandry, genotyping, surgeries, post-operative care, behavioral testing, sectioning, and histology.
- May perform routine molecular biology laboratory procedures, such as PCR, protein and DNA electrophoresis, cloning, and DNA preparation.
- May run routine biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT-PCR.
- May perform microscopic imaging analyses.
- May be responsible for the receipt, storage, cataloging, and shipment of samples within and between institutions.
- Ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.
- Ensures that safe laboratory practices are followed, including the use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
- Analyzes data using computer software and reports results to the principal investigator(s).
- Provides technical support to faculty and staff, including training of new employees, residents, postdoctoral associates, fellows, and students.
- Participates in planning and carrying out experiments.
- Assists in preparing research protocols.
- Conducts library research and literature searches using various computer systems.
- Assists in editing scientific publications, abstracts, and posters.
- Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment, and/or reagents.
- May order supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensure that needs are escalated appropriately.
- Receives supply orders and confirms accuracy of delivery.
- May assist with cost control.
- Ensures that facilities and equipment are in optimal and proper working condition.
- Coordinates preventative maintenance and repairs as needed.
- May perform minor repairs if qualified and as needed.
- May advise on upgrades for performance enhancements.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree required.
- Some bench lab related experience is necessary.
- A minimum two-year commitment is expected due to the substantial training effort associated with the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to plan and prioritize work while responding flexibly to rapidly changing priorities.
Working Conditions
- Standard laboratory conditions.
- Ability to work flexible hours.
- This position may handle radioactive material and/or biologic materials from human subjects as required.
- This position may require standing or sitting for long periods of time.
- This role may require working within Biologic Safety Level 1, 2, and/or 3 facilities.
About Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe. We embrace diversity in our workforce and seek job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit and encourage applications from individuals from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities.
Key skills/competency
- Laboratory Procedures
- Data Analysis
- Record Keeping
- Tissue Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry Assays
- Microscopy
- Animal Husbandry
- Research Protocols
- Laboratory Safety
Skills & topics
- Research Technician
- Laboratory Assistant
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Culture
- Animal Models
- Data Analysis
- Lab Safety
- Weill Cornell Medicine
- New York
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight specific bench lab experience, molecular biology techniques, and any experience with animal models or human subjects relevant to the Research Technician I role.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Emphasize your attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to adapt to changing priorities, aligning with Weill Cornell Medicine's research environment.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific lab procedures like PCR, western blotting, cell culture, and data analysis software.
- Showcase your commitment: Clearly state your understanding of and commitment to the two-year training period required for this Research Technician I position.
- Research the lab: Familiarize yourself with the work of the Robert Schwartz Lab to demonstrate genuine interest during your interview.
Technical preparation
Practice PCR and western blotting techniques.,Familiarize with cell culture protocols.,Review animal handling and basic surgery.,Strengthen data analysis software skills.
Behavioral questions
Describe handling multiple competing priorities.,Detail a time you paid close attention to detail.,Explain your approach to learning new techniques.,How do you maintain laboratory organization?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum commitment for a Research Technician I at Weill Cornell Medicine?
- Due to the extensive training involved, candidates for the Research Technician I position are expected to commit to a minimum of two years in the role.
- What kind of experience is required for the Research Technician I role at Weill Cornell Medicine?
- A Bachelor's Degree is required, along with some bench lab related experience. Specific experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, or animal handling is highly beneficial.
- What are the typical work hours for a Research Technician I at Weill Cornell Medicine?
- The position is listed with weekly hours of 35.00 and requires the ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings or weekends depending on research needs.
- What is the salary range for a Research Technician I in NYC?
- For the Research Technician I role in NYC offices, the salary range is $22.03 to $24.78 per hour, as per NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018.
- What safety precautions are involved in this Research Technician I position?
- This role involves standard laboratory conditions and may require working with radioactive or biologic materials from human subjects, potentially in BSL-1, BSL-2, or BSL-3 facilities, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Does Weill Cornell Medicine encourage diverse applicants for the Research Technician I position?
- Yes, Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and encouraging individuals from historically underrepresented or marginalized identities to apply for roles like the Research Technician I.
- What kind of data analysis is expected from a Research Technician I?
- The Research Technician I is expected to analyze data using computer software and report the findings to the principal investigator(s). Experience with statistical analysis charting is also mentioned.
- Will I be working with animals in this Research Technician I role?
- The job description indicates that the role may be required to work with animal models, which could involve tasks such as husbandry, genotyping, surgeries, and post-operative care.