Cornell University, Lab of Ornithology
Position ID:
Position Title:
Research Associate, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14850, United States of America
Subject Areas:
Appl Deadline:
2025/03/01 11:59PM
(posted 2025/01/22, updated 2025/01/17, listed until 2025/07/17)
(posted 2025/01/22, updated 2025/01/17, listed until 2025/07/17)Position Description:
Position Description
Research Associate
Cornell Lab of OrnithologyCenter for Biodiversity and Higher EducationCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca NY
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.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where full-time faculty and other renowned professionals direct world-class, mission-driven programs. Staff at the Lab teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, collect and disseminate world-famous digital resources on biodiversity, and engage with partner organizations and citizens around the world to conduct scientific research and conservation actions. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work, and our Board leadership includes faculty from Cornell and other universities, successful entrepreneurs and managers from the business and non-profit sectors, and conservation-minded citizens from the United States.
Position Function
This Research Associate position requires an experienced scientist to oversee a cross-disciplinary, field-based research and training program in avian biology based at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology during the academic semesters and at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (New Hampshire) during the summer.
In collaboration with faculty and staff leaders based at the Lab and at external partner institutions, this Research Associate will manage the long-term avian monitoring program at Hubbard Brook that has been run continuously for more than 50 years. In collaboration with other investigators, the Research Associate will pursue question-driven avian research projects involving both Hubbard Brook legacy data and new research initiatives. They will help recruit and oversee a team of summer field crew members and student research interns at Hubbard Brook, continuing a training program that has engaged more than 500 past participants. This position is accordingly based partly at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest from approximately May-August of each year in coordination with other members of the field-based leadership and supervisorial team.
During the majority of the year the Research Associate will be based at the Cornell Lab and will engage in conducting and publishing research in avian biology, primarily using Hubbard Brook data. Collaborate with Lab faculty to mentor and support student research projects. The Research Associate will conduct original research on bird populations using Hubbard Brook datasets, and serve as an important liaison with the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, Hubbard Brook Committee of Scientists, and other Hubbard Brook-relevant stakeholders.
Anticipated Division of Time
Research (50%). Conduct and publish scientific research on avian field biology with an emphasis on data from the long-term studies at Hubbard Brook and/or new projects developed at that field site by the Research Associate and collaborators. Maintain and oversee the long-term bird monitoring program at Hubbard Brook while also initiating new research endeavors on targeted bird species or focused research questions. Baseline expectations for research paper productivity are two first- or senior-authored papers per appointment year in strong discipline-specific journals (e.g., Ecology, Conservation Biology, Animal Behavior), plus regular additional co-authorships resulting from collaborations and mentoring.
Field crew supervision, mentoring, and field biology training (30%). Lead the Lab's Hubbard Brook Field Ornithology Program that provides high-quality research supervision and associated field opportunities to Cornell undergraduates, leading sometimes to serving as these students' independent honors thesis mentor. Recruit and oversee from May-August a team of avian field biology field crew members at Hubbard Brook. As opportunities arise, generally assist Cornell undergraduates and graduate students in identifying research opportunities at Hubbard Brook and elsewhere.
Funding activities (15%). Lead and/or partner with Lab and external collaborators to seek continued grant and/or gift funding (e.g., NSF) to support the long-term monitoring, student training, and targeted research programs at Hubbard Brook. Work with Cornell Lab and Cornell University development staff to engage potential philanthropic supporters.
Outreach and Other (5%). Work with Cornell Lab communication and education staff to disseminate findings to public audiences through the Lab’s on-line and print communications channels. Other ad hoc duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
PhD in a relevant area of avian ecology, evolutionary biology, or behavioral ecology. Professional record of publishing scientific papers in peer reviewed journals. Experience in mentoring undergraduate research and prior supervisory experience. Prior experience with bird banding sufficient to obtain and maintain USGS “master bander” permit. Must maintain a valid and clean driver’s license. Willingness to move annually between Ithaca (August-May) and the Hubbard Brook area (May-August).
Preferred Requirements:
One or more years of postdoctoral experience. Experience in undergraduate teaching. Proficiency in the suite of field skills frequently employed in avian ecology (e.g., point counts, territory mapping, behavioral observations, deployment of various transmitters and technologies).
Other position-related responsibilities:
- Establish and maintain a safe, productive, and respectful working environment that fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork.
- Create and sustain an environment that advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all endeavors.
- Model, communicate, and champion the Lab’s values and culture.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Appointment:
This is a full-time, 1-year appointment; renewable annually for up to two additional years, pending renewable funding, available work and successful performance.
Supervision:
Primary supervisor is Dr. Irby Lovette, Fuller Professor of Ornithology, Cornell Lab. Additional advising and supervision by Dr. Mike Webster, Director of Macaulay Library.
Supervision Exercised:
Annual supervision of team of paid summer research interns at Hubbard Brook. Mentoring or co-mentoring of Cornell undergraduates engaged in independent research projects leading to senior theses and peer-reviewed publications.
To apply:
The application package consists of a cover letter, CV, pdfs of up to three representative publications, Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and three references letters. Application materials should be submitted to Academic Jobs Online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29599. Applications for the position available will be accepted until March 1, 2025. The selection committee is chaired by Dr. Irby Lovette (IJL2@cornell.edu), Fuller Professor of Ornithology. Review of applicants will continue until the position is filled.
CALS hiring range for this title is $49,100 - $80,000.
College of Agriculture and Life SciencesLife. Changing.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
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Employment Assistance:
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions 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 University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.
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EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff from all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Pay Ranges:
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.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement supporting diverse communities
- PDFs of up to three representative publications
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, New York 14850
Ithaca, New York 14850