Cornell University, Lab of Ornithology
* finished (2022/01/21, finished 2022/10/18, listed until 2022/05/31)*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
Research Associate: Applied Quantitative Ecologist Cornell Lab of Ornithology College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Ithaca NY
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally focused institution with the
mission to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through
research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The
Center for Avian Population Studies (CAPS) is one of the major programmatic
units at the Lab and collects and disseminates biodiversity data
and information with the goal of enhancing the information and decision-making
tools available to conservationists and scientific researchers. We achieve this by producing scientific,
computational, and big data resources that transform how we understand and
protect the world around us.
Within CAPS, the Conservation Science Program is focused on
working collaboratively to develop and apply novel quantitative methods to
generate science-based data products and evidence-based solutions with public
and private sector partners to inform conservation, restoration, and
management. In addition, we strive to build capacity in scientists,
practitioners, decision-makers, and the private sector to monitor species and
systems, set priorities, evaluate trade-offs, identify novel solutions, and
make decisions that advance conservation and improve sustainability around the
globe.
To accomplish these goals, the Conservation Science Program is seeking an applied quantitative ecologist to augment ongoing applied research and conservation science on bird populations, and to develop and apply quantitative methods in population ecology. This position will also assist in leading the development of new data products using lab resources (e.g., eBird data), aimed to help evaluate and guide conservation action around the globe.
What We Need:
The Applied Quantitative
Ecologist will play a leading role in the Conservation Science Program in the
development and application of novel statistical methods to address pressing
applied research questions and critical information needs of partners and collaborators,
with a specific focus on conservation practitioners and decision-makers across
a broad range of sectors. More specifically, this position will lead
contributions along two main research themes- one focused more broadly on
modeling avian populations using a range of data sources (e.g. counts,
mark-recapture data, GPS tracks, nesting data), and one focused largely on
using eBird data and data products generated by the S&T project in CAPS.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Applied Research and Methods Development (40%)
- Develop
an applied research program aligned with the vision and strategic goals of
the Conservation Science Program and the Center for Avian Population
Studies.
- Develop
and apply novel statistical methods targeted at
citizen-science/observational data needed to make robust inferences using
eBird and/or eBird Status and Trends data
- Lead proposal
and grant writing to seek funds for project development and postdoctoral
student support
- Lead
novel applications of eBird and eBird Status and Trends data to address
relevant questions in applied ecological research and conservation
Conservation Science Partnerships and Collaborations (30%)
- Cultivate and contribute to national and international partnerships and collaborations with practitioners and decision-makers (e.g., state and federal wildlife agencies, private sector partners, NGO’s) through meetings, development of proposals and conducting related research
- Communicate and coordinate with the Status and Trends (S&T) team in the Ecological Data Science program within CAPS to make sure we are using and interpreting eBird data and S&T data products properly
- Develop workflows for scaling our ability to address data analysis information needs for partners and collaborators
Mentoring and capacity building (25%)
- Mentor
and supervise postdoctoral fellows in CAPS projects at the Lab of
Ornithology.
- Actively
participate and contribute to regular team meetings (e.g. Conservation
Science Lab meetings, Friday Science Seminars)
- Provide guidance and mentoring to undergraduate
and graduate students at Cornell University
- Develop and teach data analysis workshops using
eBird and eBird Status and Trends data
- Teach graduate seminars and give guest lectures
in courses for students in the Department of Natural Resources and the
Environment at Cornell University
Contributing to activities at Cornell and the Lab of Ornithology (5%)
- Engage
with projects at other Centers at the Cornell Lab
- Participate
in campus activities and seminars
- Contribute
to project meetings, campus and Cornell Lab Seminars and talks
- Engage
with the Philanthropic Development and Communication programs at the
Cornell Lab when needed
Term of position:
This is a full-time (100% FTE) position and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a three year appointment with possible extension depending on available work, funding and performance.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in quantitative ecology, applied statistics, or a related field with a strong background in statistics and model development.
- At least 1 year of postdoctoral experience.
- A strong record of success conducting applied independent research and related scholarly activities (e.g., presenting and conferences and meetings)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills needed to convey information and ideas to a diversity of people and partner organizations
- Strong record of publishing scientific papers in peer reviewed journals
- Experience with population monitoring data sets and analysis (e.g. community-level data, count-based data) at the population and community level.
- Proven ability to apply and develop quantitative methods to answer applied ecological questions, and/or fill information needs for management and conservation decision-making
- Coding knowledge and experience in R or other statistical languages (e.g. Python, Matlab)
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead and coordinate multiple projects.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with citizen science data sets.
- Prior experience with identifying and writing funding proposals.
- Prior experience mentoring postdoctoral fellows, as well as graduate and undergraduate students
- Experience in ornithology
- Experience with data integration methods
- Experience leading and conducting field work
Salary or Rewards/Benefits:
Commensurate with experience
Cornell provides great benefits that include professional development, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, broad range of comprehensive health care options, and generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break), paid family leave, and superior retirement contributions.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit a CV, letter of interest, contact information for 3 references and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion via Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/21005. Applications must be submitted by 5/31/22 . If you have questions about this position, please email vr45@cornell.edu.
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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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:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
Further Info:
Ithaca, New York 14850