Full-Time Research Technician 2024-2025
Symbiosis, Climate Change, Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, Molecular Ecology
STARTING DATE: Fall, 2024
Summary: The Casteel lab seeks a highly qualified Research Technician to support daily laboratory activities and contribute to ongoing and new research. A primary goal of the research in year one for this position will be validating plant protein-virus protein interactions and characterizing the function of these interactions in virus-induced susceptibility to insects or in virus-induced resilience to climate change. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to become proficient in molecular biology, gene editing, protein-protein interactions, microbial ecology, and laboratory experiments. This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with a background in plant biology, molecular biology, molecular ecology, genetics, and/or microbiology.
About Ithaca: The Casteel lab is located at Cornell University in gorgeous Ithaca, NY. Situated in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Ithaca has an ample waterfront fed by over 150 local waterfalls, excellent fall color, hiking, and water trails. The downtown area of Ithaca boasts a pedestrian mall featuring locally owned businesses, world-renowned vegan and vegetarian dining, and a year-round farmers market. The Cornell campus is serviced, free of charge to students, via public transportation.
Duties and responsibilities
75% - Contribute to research, conduct experiments, project-specific management, data entry, writing, and reporting.
20% - Lab support and management and other position-related responsibilities
5% - Safety and professional development
About Ithaca: The Casteel lab is located at Cornell University in gorgeous Ithaca, NY. Situated in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Ithaca has an ample waterfront fed by over 150 local waterfalls, excellent fall color, hiking, and water trails. The downtown area of Ithaca boasts a pedestrian mall featuring locally owned businesses, world-renowned vegan and vegetarian dining, and a year-round farmers market.
Required Qualifications
Experience working with plants using molecular biology, genomics, and/or genetic techniques.
Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, or related life sciences
Enthusiastic, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to work with diverse teams.
Aptitude for organization and multitasking, capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and interactive research environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing
Adaptable, self-motivated, and able to quickly acquire and apply new skills independently.
Pay & Benefits: $39,000-45,000/year plus a generous benefits package valued at ~$16,000/year. This is a full-time, fully in-person, 12-month position with the possibility of renewal for 2 additional years, pending performance evaluation and funding. Research funds are available to cover attendance at one national conference each year to promote interdisciplinary research and engagement.
How to apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF that includes: 1) a one-page statement of interest in the position, past research experience, and outline of future research goals, 2) a CV, and 3) contact information for three references through the following website:
Candidates who identify with groups systematically excluded from biology fields are encouraged to apply.
Questions? For questions regarding this position, contact Dr. Casteel. Informal inquiries are encouraged. I will be at the 2024 ASPB meeting, and I would love to chat with you!
Postdoctoral Fellow Fall 2024
Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, Plant-Virus-Vector Interactions, Climate Resilience, Molecular Ecology
STARTING DATE: Fall, 2024
Summary: The Casteel Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for a project focused on deciphering the genes, proteins, and metabolites that underpin virus-induced changes in plant physiology using both model and non-model plants. The initial focus will be on validating plant protein-virus protein interactions and characterizing the function of these interactions in virus-induced susceptibility to insects or in virus-induced resilience to climate change. The fellow will be able to drive innovation within the project's framework and propose experimental approaches that align with their specific research interests and long-term goals. This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with a background in plant biology, molecular biology, virology, molecular ecology, genetics, and/or microbiology.
About Ithaca: The Casteel lab is located at Cornell University in gorgeous Ithaca, NY. Situated in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Ithaca has an ample waterfront fed by over 150 local waterfalls, excellent fall color, hiking, and water trails. The downtown area of Ithaca boasts a pedestrian mall featuring locally owned businesses, world-renowned vegan and vegetarian dining, and a year-round farmers market.
Required Qualifications:
Experience working with plants using molecular biology, genomics, and/or genetic techniques.
Less than three years since obtaining a Ph.D. in molecular plant biology or biotic/abiotic stress.
Enthusiastic, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to work with diverse teams.
Aptitude for organization and multitasking, capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and interactive research environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing
Experience and willingness to mentor early career scientists, including graduate and undergraduate students.
Salary & Benefits: Starting at $61,500-$67,500/year plus a generous benefits package valued at $24,800/year. This is a full-time, 100% in-person, 12-month position with the possibility of renewal for one additional year, pending performance evaluation and funding. The fellow will have access to research funds for their project and travel funding to cover attendance at one national conference each year to promote interdisciplinary research and engagement.
How to apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF that includes: 1) a one-page statement of interest in the position, past research experience, and outline of future research goals, 2) a CV, and 3) contact information for three references through the following website:
Candidates who identify with groups systematically excluded from biology fields are encouraged to apply.
Questions? For questions regarding this position, contact Dr. Casteel. Informal inquiries are encouraged. I will be at the 2024 ASPB meeting, and I would love to chat with you!