Who We Are

Building on our 150-plus-year legacy as one of the nation’s preeminent engineering colleges, the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering is a purpose-driven, inclusive community committed to developing the knowledge, capabilities, and people needed to forge a better future. Comprising more than 10 schools and departments, we are rooted in Ithaca, New York, with a growing presence in New York City and a global network of alumni and collaborators. Guided by our core values, our faculty and staff regularly engage across disciplines and intentionally bring together a range of perspectives as they lead and support ambitious efforts to tackle societal challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

The Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering has a long and distinguished history of educating leaders across industry and academia. Graduates go on to make significant impacts in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, biotechnology, energy, and related industries. The School’s research and educational mission is guided by a focus on understanding complex biological and chemical systems across molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

The Opportunity:

The Temporary Administrative Assistant-Senior will provide central administrative support for the Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University, serving faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Reporting to the Assistant to the Directors, this role supports the daily operations of the main office reception area, ensuring smooth front office workflow and a high level of service to the departmental community. The position oversees 3–5 student workers supporting front office operations and is responsible for coordinating daily administrative functions and priorities.

In addition, this position provides complex administrative support to faculty across a range of academic and service activities. The incumbent works independently, exercises sound judgment in prioritizing competing demands and ensures accuracy and quality across all tasks. The role requires strong organizational skills, discretion in handling sensitive information, and the ability to proactively identify needs and support efficient departmental operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Main Office Coordination:

Maintain a welcoming and professional main office environment, greeting and assisting faculty, staff, students, and visitors and providing general departmental information.

Oversee 3–5 student workers supporting front office operations, including assigning work, coordinating schedules, providing training, and reviewing and approving timesheets and assigning work as appropriate.

Provide front-line support for office operations, including answering and redirecting phone calls, responding to inquiries, booking conference rooms, coordinating basic technology troubleshooting, and managing equipment sign-outs (e.g., laptops, cameras, A/V equipment).

Serve as primary departmental contact for external vendors and service providers, including coordinating copier maintenance requests and other routine service needs.

Coordinate routine access and compliance processes, including processing door access requests and verifying completion of required safety trainings.

Manage incoming and outgoing mail and packages, including sorting, routing, and recipient notifications; maintain basic mailing supplies (USPS, FedEx, UPS).

Support office logistics including photocopying, faxing, preparation of presentation materials, and routine correspondence via word processing and email.

Support upkeep of shared departmental spaces, including kitchen, lounge, and conference rooms, by monitoring cleanliness and ensuring spaces are presentable for use.

Faculty Administrative Support:

Provide high-level administrative support to faculty across research, teaching, and service activities.

Manage calendars, schedule meetings, and resolve scheduling conflicts.

Coordinate travel arrangements, including booking travel, processing reimbursements and related expense reports (e.g., Concur).

Support postdoctoral recruitment processes, including maintaining advertisements on Academic Jobs Online (AJO) and assisting with applicant tracking and updates throughout the recruitment process.

Provide administrative support to departmental committees, including scheduling meetings, taking meeting minutes, preparing materials, and coordinating logistics as needed.

Process professional expenses, including conference registrations and professional memberships.

Process laboratory orders for research groups.

Support coordination of faculty and departmental events or social functions as needed.

Important Notes for Applying:

A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for full consideration.
This position is located in Ithaca, New York and requires a fully on-site presence.
There is no relocation assistance available for this position.
There is no visa sponsorship available for this position.
This role is Full Time, Benefits Eligible, 39 Hours Per Week @ $28.00 Hourly.

Required Qualifications:

Formal training beyond a High School diploma and more than two years of relevant work experience.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Knowledge of modern office practices, including professional communication, telephone etiquette, and written correspondence.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional experience in a higher education setting.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where there are numerous interruptions and tasks to be done.

Prior experience with compiling and analyzing ad hoc data reports.

Prior experience with event coordination in a professional or academic setting.

Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills.

Detail oriented and possess excellent customer service skills.

Ability to handle confidential information and materials.

University Job Title:

Temporary Administrative Assistant, Senior

Job Family:

Temporary Administration

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contact Name:

Daniel Hyland

Contact Email:

dbh226@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.

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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.

2026-08-10

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Temporary Administrative Assistant, Senior- R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering