Cornell University, Department of Global Development
finished (2022/10/28, finished 2023/05/24, listed until 2023/02/17)*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
Postdoctoral Associate -- Productivity and environmental impacts of global livestock systems
Department of Global Development
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
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,
their environments, and their communities, both in New York state and around
the world.
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.
Cornell's Food Systems &
Global Change (FSGC) team is a part of the Department of Global Development,
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and focuses on increasing the
sustainability of food systems for the benefit of humans and ecosystems. We
work in the areas of sustainable intensification of agriculture, climate
mitigation and adaptation, livestock systems, and healthy and sustainable
diets, providing analysis and insights aimed at helping to shape the
decision-making process at all relevant levels. As good decisions rely on good
data, we are developing a global dataset of livestock production systems, their
requirements, and impacts, and we are looking for a highly motivated
postdoctoral associate that excels in programming for large datasets.
Position Function
The landmark article, Biomass
use, production, feed efficiencies, and greenhouse gas emissions from global
livestock systems, has been used in global and regional studies on livestock
and food systems over the last 10 years, including many Integrated Assessment
Models that feed into analysis by the IPCC, IPBES, EAT-Lancet, etc. The
postdoctoral associate will steer an update of this dataset by developing a
global, high-resolution, spatially explicit dataset of biomass use, production,
feed efficiencies, and greenhouse gas emissions of animal production systems.
The work would include collecting, processing, structuring and harmonizing
data, as well as developing tools to ensure the dataset is easily updatable and
accessed, and ensuring good documentation. This project is a collaboration with
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and is funded by the Cornell Atkinson Center
for Sustainability’s strategic partnership with EDF. There may also be
opportunities to collaborate with the FSGC team’s other related projects and to
develop independently-driven projects.
Responsibilities
- Large-scale data collection, analysis, and management
- Harmonizing dataset with other global data products
- Use best-practices for reproducible coding
- Draft manuscripts and publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals
- Present results at conferences and seminars
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline
- Experience with large datasets and data management
- Proficiency in R or Python, familiarity with modelling software like GAMS is highly valuable
- Excellent documentation skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
- Strong analytic and written communication skills.
This is a 2-year commitment
pending good review after year 1.
Position will be appointed for 1 year, renewable for a second year. This
position is anticipated to start in early 2023.
To Apply: visit https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23498 to submit a cover
letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, a research
statement, and a statement of
contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Prof. Mario Herrero mh2258@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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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:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Statement of Contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
Further Info:
Cornell University
240 Warren Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853