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Vacuum Systems Specialist

Cornell University
65,447.00 - $75,632.00
tuition assistance
United States, New York, Ithaca
Oct 31, 2025

Research Support Specialist I (Vacuum Systems Specialist)
Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences & Education

The Opportunity
Vacuum Systems Specialists contribute to the research mission of the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences & Education(CLASSE) by monitoring, maintaining, modifying, and repairing complex vacuum systems on all accelerators and X-ray beam lines at the Wilson Laboratory facility.

As a Vacuum Systems Specialist, you will provide general operational service for high and ultra-high vacuum systems, consulting with researchers and operations staff and training users. You will fabricate precision components and assemble new vacuum components and subsystems; install new experimental assemblies; and install vacuum system controllers and diagnostic monitoring equipment. You also will
perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on a wide variety of vacuum equipment and hardware, such as vacuum pumps (mechanical pumps, turbo-molecular pumps, ion pumps, etc.), vacuum valves, and vacuum gauges.

In your daily work, you
will acquire and analyze data related to the performance of accelerator vacuum systems and develop documentation and standard procedures. Your expertise will enable you to provide direct support and oversight to visiting researchers with respect to their vacuum system needs.

About CLASSE

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) carries out research in accelerator physics and engineering as well as supporting the operation of the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) for photon science through the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). The CHESS organization provides X-ray experimental facilities and brings in users from around the world.

What We Need
Please submit a cover letter and resume telling us about your interest, experience, and qualifications for this position.

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

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field (such as physics, mechanical engineering, surface chemistry, or other disciplines related to vacuum technology) and 2-4 years' relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Experience using standard hand tools and basic machine shop tools.

  • Basic mechanical and electrical trouble shooting skills.

  • Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • Ability to respond quickly to off-hour issues and emergencies by remote communication or returning to campus.

Additionally, the qualifications or experience with any of the following topics would be very helpful:

  • 2 years' experience working in the field of high vacuum.

  • Advanced experience with instrumentation and electronics, including troubleshooting of electronic circuits and programming of PLC-type devices.

  • Computer skills in a PC and Linux environment.

  • Experience in crane operation, rigging, and transportation of delicate experimental equipment.

  • Experience with mechanical design utilizing Inventor or AutoCad design packages.

  • Experience working in a clean-room environment.

  • Experience writing technical documentation and/or standard operating procedures.

Rewards and Benefits

  • This position is located in Ithaca, New York, on the campus of Cornell University. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of three years and is renewable based on available funding and satisfactory performance.

  • 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: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

  • Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, 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-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

  • 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. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

  • Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Important Notes About Applying

  • Please submit both a cover letter and resume for full consideration.

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title:

Research Support Spec I

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

E

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$65,447.00 - $75,632.00

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Kathy McKee

Contact Email:

kem342@cornell.edu

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.

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Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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 accommodations@cornell.edu.

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 mycareer@cornell.edu.

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:

Cornellwelcomes 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 seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage 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.

2025-10-30
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