Research Support Specialist I, Soil and Crops Science

Cornell University

Research Support Specialist in the Cornell Soil Health Lab overseeing soil data collection and reporting. Maintaining databases, ensuring quality control, and supporting lab operations with compliance and safety.

Posted 5/21/2026full-timeIthaca • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $65,447 - $75,632 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee the collection, organization, and analysis of high-volume laboratory data
Ensure accuracy through rigorous quality control
Transform results into meaningful Soil Health Reports for clients across Cornell, U.S., and globally
Maintain cloud-based databases
Contribute to timely reporting and support billing processes through coordinated invoicing systems
Operate and troubleshoot laboratory instruments
Help ensure analytical methods and projects stay on track
Collaborate with lab leadership to maintain and improve equipment and workflows
Emphasize strict adherence to laboratory safety, compliance, and best practices

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soil science, or closely related discipline
2 to 4 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination
2–4+ years of hands-on experience in a lab or data-intensive scientific environment
Prior experience in a laboratory setting and with lab data collection, interpretation, organization, and reporting
Proficiency with sample Quality Control practices
Familiarity with requirements and protocols for recognized Lab Certification (NAPT) programs
Advanced Excel skills (building datasets, managing large files, problem-solving)
Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab setting and proper waste handling
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with faculty, staff, and students
Strong soil science knowledge (must understand soil parameters and QC expectations)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

data analysisquality controllaboratory instruments operationdata collectiondata interpretationadvanced Excelsample quality controllaboratory safety protocolswaste handling

Soft Skills

communicationcollaborationproblem-solving

Certifications

NAPT certification