MacCHESS Research Support Specialist

at  Cornell University

CORNELL LABORATORY FOR ACCELERATOR-BASED SCIENCES & EDUCATION

Who We Are
The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) is an internationally recognized research facility that provides high-intensity x-ray beams and state-of-the-art instrumentation to scientists and students from university, government, and industrial labs around the world. These groups employ CHESS to conduct research in areas ranging from biology, physics, and chemistry to mechanical and structural engineering, advanced manufacturing, environmental science, materials science, and cultural heritage.
What You Will Do
The Research Support Specialist II (RSS2) position contributes to the operations of the laboratory by training and supporting the staff and users of the MacCHESS facility within CHESS, maintaining and upgrading facility equipment, and, in collaboration with staff scientists, helping to develop, test, and install new experimental equipment and techniques, including both hardware and software features. The Research Support Specialist also assists other staff members in conducting experiments of importance to structural biology.

The RSS2 will spend about 50% of their time throughout the year working on development projects for the MacCHESS program. Responsibilities include:

• Working on special development projects, either independently, as a project leader, or under the supervision of a project leader, to design and enhance experimental equipment for laboratory use.
• Designing, building, and implementing innovative solutions in areas of expertise.
• Collaborating closely with MacCHESS and CHESS staff and scientists to address deficiencies in user facilities and introduce new experimental capabilities.

The remainder of time will be spent performing Research operations support such as:

• Collaborating with CHESS operations staff to train facility users.
• Assisting with the setup and support of data collection.
• Monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting MacCHESS hardware and software.
• Documenting operational issues and resolutions, typically using electronic systems (e.g., ELOG).
• Providing significant support during off hours and weekends during x-ray experimental runs.
• Training visiting scientists and users, addressing their questions, and managing emergency repairs.
• Interacting with users daily, and ensuring user groups and scientists are informed and up to date.

What We Need
We ask you to submit a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements.

When reviewing your materials and evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• A bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field and three years of laboratory field experience are needed.
• General laboratory skills to support scientific research in a laboratory setting are required, including experience with computer, mechanical, biochemical, and/or electronic equipment.
• Experience implementing R&D projects, including demonstrated ability to have effective interaction and good working relationships with scientists and technical support staff
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner, and people skills are needed to carry out the staff and user training and collaborative aspects of the position.
• Ability to work under general supervision; organized and self-motivated
• Capable of adapting to the changing needs of a research environment; able to receive directions and to communicate effectively

What We Prefer

Additionally, the following qualifications will be given preference:

• Substantial hands-on experience in a research setting is desirable, with specific knowledge in at least one of: high vacuum systems, electrical and high voltage systems, computer controls, and sophisticated physical laboratory instrumentation including motion control systems, mechanical design and assembly, and user support experience at a state-of-the-art scientific research facility
• Knowledge of physics, chemistry and/or biochemistry, and x-ray experimental techniques at the Master’s Degree level (or based on equivalent professional-level knowledge and experience)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with instrumentation and data collection

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.
• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25 to January 1.
• Cornell’s impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program. Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.

Important Notes about Applying

• Please submit both a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position.
• The search committee will review applications as received and conduct interviews on a rolling basis.
• There is no visa sponsorship available for this position.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university’s COVID-19 services and information.
Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university’s COVID-19 services and information.

• Working on special development projects, either independently, as a project leader, or under the supervision of a project leader, to design and enhance experimental equipment for laboratory use.
• Designing, building, and implementing innovative solutions in areas of expertise.
• Collaborating closely with MacCHESS and CHESS staff and scientists to address deficiencies in user facilities and introduce new experimental capabilities