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Purpose of the Position:
The Temporary Research Aide will support ongoing, mission‑critical research in the MULTIMESO Lab, directed by Assistant Professor Tiffany Cheng in the Department of Design Tech at Cornell University. The lab focuses on advancing bioregional material resources through bio‑inspired additive manufacturing methods for smarter, more resilient products, buildings, and infrastructure. Research spans micro‑, meso‑, and macro‑scale material systems with programmable and environmentally responsive behaviors.
This temporary role will provide hands‑on research and fabrication support for the Programmable Ecologies project, which investigates hygromorphic, wood‑based biomaterials for passively responsive and ecologically attuned architectural systems.
Duties and Responsibilities may include:
Assist with research activities related to bio-inspired and hygromorphic material systems
Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of physical prototypes
Assist with material preparation, documentation, and data collection
Support monitoring of prototypes deployed in real-world environments
Maintain an organized and safe research and fabrication workspace
Collaborate with lab members during prototyping and testing activities
Perform routine research support tasks as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Background or coursework in architecture, design technology, materials science, or a related field
Interest in material research, fabrication, and experimental prototyping
Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety procedures
Strong attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively in a lab environment
Prior experience with fabrication tools or research environments preferred
Location: Ithaca Main Campus, Rand Hall, 921 University Ave, Ithaca, NY 14853
Supervisor: Tiffany Cheng
University Job Title:
Temporary Research Aide
Job Family:
Temporary Academic Support
Level:
No Grade - Hourly
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contact Name:
Ann Owens
Contact Email:
[email protected]
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
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2026-06-12Skills Required
- Background or coursework in architecture, design technology, materials science, or a related field
- Interest in material research, fabrication, and experimental prototyping
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety procedures
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively in a lab environment
- Prior experience with fabrication tools or research environments
Cornell University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cornell University and has not been reviewed or approved by Cornell University.
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Healthcare Strength — Health plans are considered comprehensive with strong employer cost-sharing, including dental, vision, mental health, fertility, and access to no-cost counseling. This breadth and depth of coverage are repeatedly highlighted as a standout element of total rewards.
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Retirement Support — Employer retirement contributions are portrayed as generous across appointment types, with immediate-vesting options and access to financial consultations. This sustained institutional support reinforces long-term financial security for employees.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-focused programs such as childcare grants, adoption assistance, onsite childcare, lactation support, and children’s tuition scholarships provide tangible help for dependents. These offerings meaningfully augment overall compensation for employees with family needs.
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