Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Primary Work Address: 518 Clark Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853

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The Johnson lab at our Cornell University Ithaca, NY location is seeking a dynamic Part time Administrative Assistant II to support the lab. Beneficial gut bacteria contribute to the optimal development of infant immunity and digestion. These bacteria rely on nutrients in human milk to survive in the human gut and can produce health-promoting chemical signals from these dietary inputs. Liz Johnson wants to know which specific nutrients promote the development of the infant gut microbiome and how the microbial transformation of dietary inputs impacts infant health. This information will help caregivers make more informed decisions about what to feed their babies during a critical window to support lifelong microbiome-dependent health. For more information about the Johnson lab, please visit https://www.johnsonlab.nutrition.cornell.edu/

About the role:

As the Part time Administrative Assistant, you will provide comprehensive administrative support to Dr. Johnson and the Johnson lab staff. You will work independently, be expected to take initiative, and exercise sound judgment to prioritize and accomplish multiple responsibilities within a challenging and stimulating work environment.

You are an adaptable, congenial professional who is excited to work collaboratively with a diverse group, serve as the liaison between the lab, HHMI and Cornell University, and manage the responsibilities of this role with a high level of attention to detail, proactiveness, warmth, and poise. This will be a part time 20 hour per week position.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.
• Opportunity to work in a diverse and encouraging research environment.
• Ability to drive process improvement and growth of the program.

What you’ll do:

• Proactively work with Dr. Johnson to address competing priorities and commitments through calendaring, ongoing communication, and notification.
• Coordinate lab meetings, events, and travel logistics for Dr. Johnson, lab members, and visitors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for lab communications and administrative coordination with HHMI and Cornell offices.
• Support grant and manuscript preparation, including formatting biosketches, maintaining publication records, and submitting materials to repositories.
• Assist with onboarding new lab members and maintaining lab records, calendars, and websites.
• Oversee procurement, compliance documents, office organization, reimbursements, and expense reporting.
• Support course instruction by updating materials, managing Canvas sites, and scheduling academic spaces.
• Collaborate with the Lab Manager to coordinate research participant engagement and shipping for study materials.

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience is strongly preferred.
• Four years of increasingly responsible administrative and office experience is required.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, prioritize effectively, plan ahead, problem-solve, and meet goals in a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional customer service skills, a cooperative attitude, and a positive demeanor; ability to build relationships and trust.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and online scheduling tools; familiarity with Cornell and HHMI systems (e.g., Concur, Box, Canvas) preferred.
• Professionalism, discretion, and commitment to supporting a collaborative lab environment.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range

$23.32 (minimum) - $29.15 (midpoint) - $37.88 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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