POSITION DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES
CORNELL UNIVERSITY

 POSITION:                       Postdoctoral Associate

 STARTING DATE:           July 1, 2021                                                                    

 LOCATION:                     Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

  College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  Cornell University

  Ithaca, NY 14853

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

We are looking for a highly motivated person to work with a team of scientists at Cornell University (Rudstam, Watkins, Sethi) and the USGS Great Lakes Science Center (Esselman, Warner, O’Brien, Yule and others) to advance acoustic survey approaches and investigate spatial ecology of fish and invertebrates in Laurentian Great Lakes. This is a two year project, with potential for extension for additional years. The research will involve state of the art acoustics equipment deployed on autonomous underwater vehicles and Saildrones, as well as from traditional survey vessels. Together with the PIs, the incumbent will develop automated analysis procedures for large amounts of acoustic data, evaluate fish avoidance of survey vessels and the implications for fisheries assessment, and contribute to the development of the next generation automated survey techniques. Acoustic survey data will also be used to investigate questions about species distributions and associated food web interactions in the Great Lakes.  The incumbent will be based at Cornell University in Ithaca, with periodic travel to the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor Michigan to interface with collaborators and participate in field data collections.  Research 100%

 The responsibilities of this position include:

1) analysis of acoustic data and development of automated scripts for analyzing large amount of data with existing software (Echoview, R, Python);

2) collaborate with USGS scientists on field data collection;

3) analysis of fish avoidance and biases associated with acoustics “dead” zones using the acoustic data; 4) presentation of results at scientific meetings and to regional management groups, and publications in the primary literature.

 This position is an opportunity to be at the forefront of development and analysis of spatial fisheries data in the Great Lakes with implications for fisheries and aquatic ecology across the globe.

 One year term position with renewal possible contingent on funding, performance, and available work.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Ph.D. in fisheries, ecology, marine biology, bioinformatics, limnology or related fields.

·   Strong quantitative background: ability to deal with large datasets using computational methods,   proficiency in R or other applicable software packages, ability to develop scripts for R and Echoview, and   statistical modeling.

·         Interest in fisheries, fisheries acoustics, aquatic ecology, and spatial ecology.

·         Evidence of ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.

·         Willingness to perform both field research and laboratory analyses.

SALARY:

Competitive, commensurate with background and experience. An attractive fringe benefits package is available. 

All components of the application must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/18693. Interested applicants should submit: (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a letter of interest, including a brief description of how this position relates to their career plans, (3) statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and (4) the names and contact information of three references.

 We will begin reviewing applications on May 27^th, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

 Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.