Postdoctoral Position Available in 

Active Learning in Biological & Environmental Engineering 

Position:     Postdoctoral Associate

Location:   Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701 (https://bee.cals.cornell.edu/)

Position Description and Responsibilities:

 The position is part of the Cornell’s Active Learning Initiative: https://provost.cornell.edu/leadership/vp-academic-innovation/active-learning-initiative/). 

Goals of the Active Learning Initiative: In this Active Learning Initiative (ALI), we would like to transform several courses in the biological engineering curriculum via an integrated, spiral approach that progressively builds students’ understanding of complex problem solving. We would start this process with BEE 3500: Heat and Mass Transfer and BEE/MAE 4530: Computer-Aided Engineering. Subsequently, the candidate will work with departmental colleagues to reduce barriers in implementing active learning throughout the curriculum and the department. 

 Role of Postdoctoral Associate: The postdoc will work closely with the faculty instructor to design active learning strategies and implement these strategies by creating in-class activities, digital course content and assignments. For example, the postdoc will have the opportunity to develop digital simulations of engineering processes and learning activities that incorporate the simulations, and to help undergraduates learn engineering simulation. The postdoc will help develop student assessments and feedback mechanisms to refine course material and strategies. The project is expected to lead to conference presentations and/or archival journal articles in engineering education. 

The candidate is expected to pursue a formal research program in the areas of computational mechanics and/or heat and mass transfer related to manufacturing. Simulations of biological and food material processing, a longtime research interest of the primary faculty member, would develop synergy with ALI, particularly in the active learning modality of simulation-based learning. Modeling work can be mechanistic, data-driven or hybrid, and novel applications would be welcome. Research publications in archival journals would be expected.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. in an engineering discipline with demonstrated experience and success in the classroom are required. The candidate must have relevant background in at least two of the following areas: solid mechanics, transport phenomena, computational modeling, and multiphase transport in porous media. The candidate should have a strong interest in creating and/or applying active learning strategies and advancing engineering pedagogy. 

Applications and Starting Date:  

Anticipated start date is as soon as possible. Applications including a CV, a statement of teaching experience and pedagogy development, research interests, and the names of at least three references should be submitted to the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering. Applications will be reviewed starting January 15, 2022 and will be accepted until this position is filled. A statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion is also required, please submit your application via Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/18772.  

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, heir environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.