Diagnostic Technologist - Virology

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Diagnostic Technologist I to join the Animal Health Diagnostic Center's Virology Laboratory. In this role, the selected candidate will perform specialized laboratory testing to detect viral diseases or immune responses to viral infections in animals while supporting high-quality diagnostic services. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented laboratory professional who enjoys hands-on bench work and contributing to animal health. Success Factors Thrives in an outcome-driven environment with clear deadlines, enjoys working on routine and detailed tasks, and is able to identify and troubleshoot problems. Ability to demonstrate good judgment and capable of working independently with limited supervision and guidance. High attention to detail and context, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple workflows simultaneously in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment. Exceptional customer service and communication skills to collaborate with all stakeholders, convey a positive attitude, and contribute to a positive working environment. Flexible mindset to respond to the changing needs of the business. Key Responsibilities Perform diagnostic testing per established procedures. Testing methods include: virus isolation, cell culture, ELISA, serum neutralization, hemagglutination inhibition, molecular methods, complement fixation, and agar gel immunodiffusion. Receive, prepare, and process clinical specimens, including whole blood, serum, swabs, tissues, organs, and postmortem specimens and accurately document test results. Support daily laboratory operations, including inventory management, equipment maintenance, and laboratory organization. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology or related science discipline and up to 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Basic computer skills. Strong attention to detail; ability to perform laboratory procedures and record keeping with accuracy, precision and efficiency. Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines; must have strong organizational skills, with the ability to successfully multitask. Must be self-motivated and willing to take initiative to continue learning. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time at benches, biological safety cabinets, and microscopes; must be able to pipet for extended periods of time. Employees working in the laboratory must receive the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series prior to or immediately after hire, which will be paid for by the department. Preferred Qualifications One to two years of laboratory experience. Experience working in an environment with a quality management system. Experience working with infectious organisms. Successful work experience in a fast-paced, complex, client-oriented environment. Important Details about the Position This is an onsite position located in Ithaca, NY. This is a full-time three-year term position with potential for extension contingent upon funding and performance. We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position. While the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays and scheduled breaks. The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application Resume Cover Letter What We Offer : Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. 3 weeks of paid vacation 13 additional holiday days with generous holiday pay if you work on those days An award-winning employer provided benefits program Comprehensive health care options Access to wellness programs Employee discounts with local and national retail brands Generous retirement contributions 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 for more information: Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success , which are essential for individual and organizational success. Who We Are: The Virology Laboratory of the AHDC provides diagnostic testing and consultative services in the area of veterinary virology to private practitioners, testing laboratories, agribusinesses, and researchers in university and government settings. Diagnostic testing includes detection of viral antigens, nucleic acid and antibodies made in response to infections or vaccinations. Questions? Gabriel Gonzalez - University Job Title: Medical Technologist I Job Family: Health Level: D Pay Rate Type: Hourly Pay Range: $28.61 - $33.25 Remote Option Availability: Onsite Company: Contract College Contact Name: Gabriel Gonzalez Contact Email: Job Titles and Pay Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator . Union Positions The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement . To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates . Current Employees: If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell. Online Submission Guidelines : Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. Employment Assistance: For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email . If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at . Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing . Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-07-17