Cornell University, Department of Public and Ecosystem Health

Position ID:
Cornell-PEH-POSTNSF [#31900]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate - Plowright Lab
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Public Health
Epidemiology
Infectious Disease
Salary Range:
62,232-75,000
Appl Deadline:
2026/07/01 23:59:59* (posted 2026/04/01, listed until 2026/07/01)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Postdoctoral Associate 
Dr. Raina Plowright's Laboratory
Public and Ecosystem Health
 College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY


Position Description: This position is funded off our 2022 NSF grant “Converging on the rules of emergence for preventing land-use-induced spillover”, and internal Cornell seed grants. This position requires strong interests in system dynamics approaches to understanding drivers and causes of disease emergence, and deep interest in understanding zoonotic systems from the ecological, epidemiological, and biological mechanisms driving spillover to understanding distal anthropogenic drivers such as land use change and climate variation. Successful applicants will have a PhD in systems science, systems biology, infectious disease ecology, epidemiology or similar fields.

This postdoc position will focus on advancing research into interactions among environmental, ecological, sociological, and economic drivers of land use decisions, and the effects of such decisions on pathogen shedding from bats and zoonotic contacts between bats and spillover hosts. Our lab will develop risk communication strategies needed to change human responses from reactive to proactive to disrupt the negative cascades of land use-induced spillover networks and prevent future spillover events.

Postdoc position responsibilities will include:
  • Leading system mapping for multiple zoonotic systems, including Hendra virus in Australia and Nipah virus in Bangladesh
  • Helping organize, and participate in, Participatory Model Building with local communities and experts
  • Developing at least one peer-reviewed manuscript comparing system dynamics across multiple zoonotic systems. 
Requirements:
  • PhD in systems science, systems biology, infectious disease ecology, epidemiology or similar fields.
  • The candidate must be highly organized, curious, a creative critical thinker, a good communicator, and have strong interdisciplinary skills spanning biology, ecology, One Health, computer science, and disease ecology.
Salary and Benefits: Salary Range: $62,232-$75,000.  This position is eligible for benefits.

Postdocs from the Plowright lab have gone on to tenure-track positions in academia and research or policy positions in government. If you any questions about the position, please email Emma Spence (es957@cornell.edu) for more details.

To apply: Visit https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31900 and submit a resume with references and their contact information, as well as a paragraph on your unique experiences that would make you suitable for the position (can be formatted as a cover letter).

Offers higher than the published salary range might be considered to meet unique circumstances, qualifications, academic discipline, and experience.



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:

  • 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
  • Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://publichealth.cornell.edu/
email address
 
S2 005 Schurman Hall
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853