Position Description

Academic Job Description

Senior Research Associate

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

Location: Cornell Biological Field Station

Bridgeport, New York

College Description:

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 Cornell University’s second largest college. 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, their environments and their communities both in New York State and around the world.

 Department and Unit Description:

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment is one of the pioneer departments of natural resources in the nation and known as a center for fisheries research.  The Department is home for the Environment and Sustainability major at Cornell University with a 30+ faculty studying and teaching both ecological and social aspects of environmental and natural resource management. The Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS) is an internationally renowned center for fisheries and aquatic research located on the shore of Oneida Lake. The person in this position will lead the fisheries program at CBFS continuing a 60+ year collaboration with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Fisheries (NYSDEC). 

 Job Description:

We seek an individual with the ability to develop and lead a strong research program in fish ecology and fisheries management with funding from NYSDEC. The incumbent will conduct research on issues associated with warmwater fisheries management in New York State.  This collaboration between NYSDEC and CBFS started under Dr. John Forney and has used both traditional fisheries management tools and an ecosystem approach for over 60 years.  Studies on Oneida Lake has resulted in one of the best long-term data series on fish and fisheries in North America and is extremely valuable for understanding fish and fisheries in a changing world.  

 The incumbent is expected to work with NYSDEC fisheries managers and with scientists at Cornell to develop and conduct research projects across New York State and contribute to scientific-based management of New York’s warmwater fisheries resources. New York State is a water-rich state with a variety of inland lakes and rivers from deep Finger Lakes to small ponds.  The position requires frequent interactions with NYSDEC fisheries managers, including participation in working groups, field activities, analysis of fisheries data and technical consultation. These activities are considered part of required research activities. Duties include working with the CBFS Director and co-PI Lars Rudstam to lead the NYSDEC funded warmwater fisheries research grant, being the primary contact between NYSDEC and CBFS, and supervising field and laboratory personnel working on DEC funded projects at CBFS. The incumbent is responsible for reports and white papers requested by the granting agency (NYSDEC) and is expected to contribute to the peer-reviewed literature on fisheries and aquatic science.  The incumbent will supervise a research group that includes research support specialists, research technicians, and undergraduate student interns.  Supervision of graduate students funded via DEC grants and participation in graduate student committees are expected. Outreach activities associated with New York fisheries and service associated with CBFS administration, field classes, and the CBFS intern program are also expected.  

 Term of position:

This is a full-time position located at the Cornell Biological Field Station by Oneida Lake in Bridgeport, NY. The appointment is appointed initially for five years with possible extension depending on funding and satisfactory performance. Frequent travel to the Cornell Ithaca campus to participate in departmental, college and university activities, and supervise graduate students is expected.

Anticipated Division of Time:

Research                                                                                   90%

Outreach/Service/                                                                     10%

 Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in fish ecology, fisheries management, or aquatic ecology.  In-depth knowledge of freshwater fisheries management.  Demonstrated ability to design research, interpret data, and write grants, reports and articles in the peer-reviewed literature.  Ability to effectively interact and communicate with academics, management agencies (especially NYSDEC), and the public. Candidates who possess a desire to work with a natural resource agency on management related research, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills and using a team-oriented approach are most likely to succeed in this position. A valid driver’s license in required.

 Preferred Qualifications:

Two or more years’ experience supervising field and laboratory personnel.

Experience working with fisheries management agencies.

Experience supervising undergraduate research interns.

Experience with various field sampling methods.

Experience with statistical analyses and models.

 Salary:

 Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.  Cornell offers a comprehensive benefits package. The position is funded by NYSDEC contract (80%) and CBFS endowment (20%).

 Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit a CV, letter of interest, research statement, 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/21431.  Applications should be submitted by 05/01/2022.  If you have questions about this position, please email lgr1@cornell.edu.

 Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university. Cornell is also the Land-Grant university of New York State and Cornell Extension is present in each county leading to strong connections between the people of New York State and Cornell University.  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. Note though, that this position is located about 1.5 hours north of Ithaca, close to the city of Syracuse.

 Diversity and inclusion have been and continue to be a part of our heritage. Cornell University is a recognized EEO/AA employer and educator. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

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