Call for Applications

Post-Doctoral Social Science Research Associate

Social and Ecological Impacts of Digital Agriculture

POSITION:            Post-Doctoral Associate

STARTING DATE:       Sept 1, 2021

LOCATON:                   Department of Natural Resources and Environment

      College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

      Cornell University

      Ithaca, NY 14853

RESPONSIBILITIES:

We seek to hire a post-doctoral social science researcher as part of our National Science Foundation- funded project on social and ecological impacts of digital agricultural innovation - https://sites.coecis.cornell.edu/farmnetworkingimpact/. The project is a collaboration between faculty in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the College of Computer and Information Science at Cornell University. This is a one-year full time research position that is renewable for a second year based on meeting mutually agreed-upon objectives.

We seek applications from social scientists (sociology, economics, geography, anthropology, science and technology studies) with experience in conducting field research, publishing scholarly work, and building relations with non-academic partners around questions of technological change in agriculture. Engagement with both quantitative and qualitative data preferred. Our interest lies in analyzing the implications of technologies, and underlying infrastructures, premised on capturing value from data in relation to established critiques of economic concentration and/or environmental degradation. Successful applicants will have demonstrated interest in existing information-based technologies in use in U.S. farming systems, as well as emerging technologies. The project will focus on digital agriculture with a specific focus on the role of off-farm service providers that participate in farm management and farming operations. The literatures of the sociology of agriculture, responsible research and innovation, values in design, and infrastructure will be relevant.

The position is a full-time appointment with 85% of effort allocated to research and 15% allocated to dissemination of results, other outreach activities, and miscellaneous tasks. This person will work closely with Steven Wolf, Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, as well as the larger project team. This work is linked to the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture - https://digitalagriculture.cornell.edu/, which offers scope for intellectual engagement and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·           Ph.D. in a relevant field (must be completed at the start of the appointment)

·           Capacity to conduct face to face interviews and integrate diverse secondary data

·           Strong writing skills

·           Strong organizational skills and evidence of ability to work collaboratively and independently

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.

SALARY and BENEFITS:

Competitive, commensurate with background and experience.

TO APPLY:

All components of the application must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/18232. 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) a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and (4) the names and contact information of three references. Questions can be directed to Steven Wolf, saw44@cornell.edu.