We have multiple Research Support Specialist I openings at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) on Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY.
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We have multiple Research Support Specialist I openings at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) on Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY.
Our Facility:
The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) is a fast-paced, dynamic workplace where we do rapid prototyping of high-tech instruments to enable and support a wide-range of scientific research from biomedical protein structures to super-tough materials for turbine engines in aircraft. Our facility hosts researchers from around the world to use our X-rays to conduct experiments in the fields of chemistry, physics, material science, biology, art history, engineering, energy development, and beyond. CHESS is committed to engaging with industry, academia and government through its funding from the National Science Foundation, Air Force Research Lab, National Institutes of Health, and New York State.
When CHESS is producing X-rays (about 6 months per year), we operate 24 hours a day. During the times when we are not producing X-rays, the facility is closed to researchers so staff can perform maintenance and upgrades on our experimental equipment. CHESS is part of a larger organization at Cornell called the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based ScienceS and Education (CLASSE).
Our Team:
The CHESS team is composed of staff scientists, technical support staff, post-docs, and graduate students.
The RSSI position is part of our technical support staff. Our support staff design, build, troubleshoot, and maintain the majority of our experimental equipment. They interact closely with our staff scientists as well as visiting researchers to help troubleshoot technical problems, develop innovative, creative solutions to technical research issues, and provide training and safety oversight to users of the facility.
The Job:
The RSSI will spend about 75% of their time throughout the year working on long-term projects and experimental upgrades – sometimes on individual projects, but often collaborating with other technical staff. Projects may involve any of the following:
- Ultra-High Vacuum systems
- Safety (including chemicals, lasers, radiation, hazardous material handling, robotics, electrical)
- Integrating hardware and software
- Controls systems
- Mechanical engineering – design, fabrication, assembly, testing
- Motion control
- Programming
- PLC design and programming
- Electronics
- X-ray detectors
- Hands-on work (soldering, welding, machining, troubleshooting mechanical systems)
- Cryogenics
The other 25% of the time throughout the year will be providing the direct support to our visiting researchers. The RSSI will work within a group of about ten other Research Support Specialists to ensure that there is a technical support staff member in the lab 24 hours a day when we are operating the facility for research – some nights, weekends and holidays are required.
This position requires that you work on-site in our lab in Ithaca, NY.
On-the-job training will be provided. Training is done primarily by working closely with other research support specialists, but we also utilize written documentation, group training sessions on specific systems, and online presentations and videos.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field, or equivalent experience
- Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively (including written and verbal)
- Excellent people skills
- A team mentality; willing to help others
- Ability to work under general supervision; organized and self-motivated
- A work or personal history demonstrating strong initiative, reliability, troubleshooting skills, and good judgment
- Able to work some weekends, evenings, and overnight shifts (schedule will be determined with advance notice)
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory setting or technical support role
- Experience in a fast-paced workplace, and/or experience with frequently changing priorities
- Experience in any of the following areas:
- Vacuum systems
- Programming
- Hands-on fabrication or assembly work
- Cryogenics
- X-ray detectors
Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position. Please apply online at https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CornellCareerPage (posting #WDR-00028254).
Cornell University requires all employees, whether they work on campus or work fully remotely, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to have obtained a university-approved medical or religious exemption. For additional information on this requirement, visit: https://hr.cornell.edu/covid/university-response/vaccination
Cornell provides great benefits that include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, educational benefits (Employee Degree, Tuition Aid, Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Programs), access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, including winter break from December 25th through January 1st.
Cornell has been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. For more information, follow the link: Benefits at Cornell.