Research Associate 

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Center for Engagement in Science & Nature

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell  University

Ithaca, New York, USA

Position Function

The Lab’s Center for Engagement in Science & Nature seeks a creative, collaborative scientist with experience in analyzing and publishing with “big data.” The successful candidate will contribute to cross-disciplinary research utilizing the Cornell Lab’s extensive biological data sets. The position provides the opportunity for collaboration with the global scientific community, as well as opportunities to engage a talented pool of students from Cornell University. 

Anticipated Division of Time:

Research (65%). Conduct and publish scientific research utilizing the Center’s and the Lab’s open access, big data resources, focusing on ecological research questions. Contribute and collaborate with researchers internal and external to Cornell to ensure publication of high-quality research in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Develop analytical approaches and R packages promoting best practices in analysis of the Lab’s data sets. Serve as a key point of contact for the members of the global research community who are interested in our platforms and data resources. Collaborate with the social science research team on research focused on the human dimensions of the Center’s work. Baseline expectations for research productivity are two first-authored papers per year in strong journals, plus additional co-authorships resulting from collaborations and mentoring. Attendance and presentation of research and workshops at relevant scientific conferences is expected (2-3 / year). 

Requirements:

Preferred Requirements:

One or more years of postdoctoral research experience. Grasp of the literature in nesting/reproductive biology and/or foraging ecology. Previous experience with participatory science. Fluent in English, with additional language skills (Spanish or Portuguese) and experience with international collaboration are helpful.

Commensurate with experience. Hiring range for this title is $80,000 - $82,000.

Appointment: This is a full-time, 1-year term, with possibility of renewal up to 3 years pending funding, available work and successful performance.

Supervision: 

Primary supervisor is Dr. David Bonter, co-Director of the Center for Engagement in Science & Nature, Cornell Lab.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision of undergraduate student employees and research students for projects leading to senior theses and peer-reviewed publications.

Location: 

In-person work based at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York is required to facilitate collaborative research across the team and to effectively recruit and mentor student researchers. Hybrid flexibility will be considered (e.g., in the office 3-4 days/week, and/or flexibility in work location within NYS for 1-2 months/year). 

To apply: 

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31619. 

Qualified candidates should submit a 1-page cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. 

Applications will be reviewed starting March 9, 2026, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. 

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. 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.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 

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 (VEVRRA) 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.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: