APPLY
The Cornell Center for Social Sciences has an immediate opening for a research support specialist to provide critical support within our Regulated Research Environment and general research computing environments. This is a full-time temporary position with benefits and an expected duration of 12 months.
This position will be responsible for project management and client support; security plan development, maintenance, and implementation; and business process analysis. Reporting to the CCSS Research IT Director, the research support specialist will regularly interact with data providers, researchers (affiliates, faculty, staff, and students), the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Institutional Review Board, the Change Advisory Board, and other technical and research support staff.
Key responsibilities will include:
-
Responding to inquiries and providing guidance to CCSS clients
-
Responding appropriately to file transfer requests based on applicable Data Use Agreements, System Security Plans, policies, and OSP guidance
-
Managing user accounts during the lifecycle of research projects
-
Processing the closeout of research projects, including recovering user-generated files and returning or destroying restricted access data files as stipulated in data use agreements
-
Troubleshooting user access issues and assisting researchers with CCSS computing resources
-
Reviewing data provider agreements and identifying external compliance standards that must be met
-
Reviewing and proposing changes to system security plans and the data recovery and business continuity plan
-
Monitoring the system and reviewing reports
-
Maintaining required records in the contract management system
-
Contributing to development and refinement of business processes and reporting systems
-
Collaborating with other staff on testing of new applications for researchers prior to deployment
About Us
Cornell social scientists conduct research to solve the world’s most pressing social challenges. The Cornell Center for Social Sciences (CCSS) accelerates, enhances, and amplifies this research by providing advanced computing and other research infrastructure, seeding grants and fellowships, supporting quantitative and qualitative research, and building a diverse and inclusive community of scholars. The CCSS Regulated Research Environment provides customized secure computing environments for working with restricted research data. CCSS is a part of Cornell Research & Innovation.
What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume telling us why you are interested in this position and how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. Your letter is an important part of your application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:
-
Master’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
-
Experience with data and/or compliance protocols
-
Must be self-directed and able to work under deadline pressures
-
Strong writing, oral communications, and interpersonal skills
-
Ability to work well in a dynamic team setting and to take initiative in independent work
-
Ability to develop competence in new subject areas with little or no formal training or oversight, and continuously expand knowledge about technology and methods
-
Ability to analyze requirements, propose solutions, work collaboratively, and meet individual and team deadlines
-
Ability to quickly learn laws and regulations related to compliance
-
Consistent attention to detail and accuracy (an absolute must)
-
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members
-
Ability to meet eligibility requirements for handling restricted research data
Although not required, the following would be helpful to have:
-
Basic knowledge of analytical software, including Python, R, SAS, MATLAB, and Stata
-
Knowledge of Federal, State and other cybersecurity compliance laws and regulations (e.g., FISMA, NIST, HIPAA, etc.)
-
Knowledge of data security plans
-
Knowledge of file management techniques and proficiency in database document management
-
Knowledge of project management methodologies
Other Information
-
This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University. The position may allow some flexibility to work outside the office 1-2 days a week.
-
This temporary position is full-time (40 hours/week) and is eligible for Cornell's endowed benefits, including paid holidays, health, life, and accident insurance, and paid leave.
-
Anticipated hiring salary will be $82,735-$93,300.
University Job Title:
Temporary Research Support, Senior
Job Family:
Temporary Academic Support
Level:
No Grade - Annual
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contact Name:
Kathy McKee
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:
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
2026-05-21
