21 May 2004

Help wanted

Have you ever wondered if your background as a citizen scientist qualifies you for the work of a professional scientist?

The Cornell Ornithology Lab has an intriguing job opening at www.birds.cornell.edu/About/jobs.html that requires far more practical knowledge and experience than can be learned in a university classroom.

Only a very special candidate will qualify for this position. How do you measure up?

Research Support Specialist I - 02262

Annual Term Appointment with possible renewal

Description: The Bioacoustics Research Program in the Lab of Ornithology is seeking a Research Support Specialist I to provide extensive operational support for the research activities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) through the planning, modification and maintenance of, training in the use of, and field deployment of a variety of field data collection equipment and research project analysis. This equipment is primarily, but not limited to, acoustic recording equipment; some types of recording equipment have significant electronic and electro-mechanical systems for functions other than acoustic recording. Extract and collect data from field equipment and process into a form suitable for analysis using existing software tools. Conduct independent research and tabulate moderately complex data. Write general reports and articles. Suggest areas where improvements can be made in the laboratory. Manage the shop maintenance, inventory, and organization. Prepare and coordinate for field deployment of research equipment in a variety of environments and locations (sometimes remote), including at-sea deployments of oceanographic equipment, often alone or with few others. Significant travel possible with knowledge of exact dates of travel sometimes on short notice. Must be able to occasionally lift heavy loads and be capable of physical exertion for short intervals. Restore equipment to field-ready condition after equipment recovery and data extraction, including any troubleshooting and repair that must be completed.

Requirements: Bachelors Degree in Biology or relevant field; 2-3 years of experience or equivalent. Ability to lift more than 50lbs. Strong communication and technical writing skills. Proficient with computer software programs and ability to search and use the internet as a resource. Knowledge of all standard laboratory equipment is required. Equipment requires safety precautions. Protective devices may be necessary. Prefer 2-3 years of experience in Biology. Demonstrated troubleshooting success in a wide variety of systems, soldering skills, skilled in using various electronic test equipment and software (oscilloscope, DMM, LabView, etc.), good mechanical intuition, familiarity with mapping/charting/GPS. Fabricate precision components and repair parts for acoustic recording equipment in the Bioacoustics Research Program. Strong troubleshooting skills (electrical, electronic, mechanical), comfortable with electro-mechanical systems, ability to learn device-specific functions and their meaning and importance, flexible schedule, must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, good writing and strong organizational skills. Prior experience with conducting research on a boat preferred. Ability to work collaboratively with a team under sometimes difficult conditions. Good organizational skills and initiative.

Application materials must be received by Friday, May 21, 2004.

For more information contact Cheri Johnson (607-255-7918) at 265 Roberts Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. To apply for the position, please refer to Cornell's Job Opportunities web site at http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs unless otherwise specified in listing.