Postdoctoral Associate for Plant - Herbivore Interactions and Weed Biocontrol

STARTING DATE:      1 May 2023, or as soon as possible

LOCATION:                Blossey lab group, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

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

BACKGROUND:

When introduced plant species become invasive and the development of biological weed control is often the only long-term solution for their sustainable management. For several decades, the Blossey lab at Cornell University has developed biocontrol programs targeting invasive plants of conservation concern as well as novel ways to assess safety and direct and indirect outcomes of insects post release. We are now expanding our team to further enhance biocontrol programs targeting invasive Phragmites, Japanese knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.) and water chestnut (Trapa natans). These different programs are in various stages of development and the work program may involve foreign exploration, host specificity testing in the field and in quarantine, as well as development of long-term assessment procedures, and demographic analyses of herbivore impacts.  Managing invasive species using biocontrol for conservation will require buy-in and acceptance by different stakeholders. Therefore, a portion of the work we envision will involve development of quantitative social science experiments to probe attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and policy preferences. We are looking for a post-doctoral associate to join our team to enhance our capabilities, by developing new experimental approaches and assisting in analyses of existing long-term datasets.  

This will be a 1-year term appointment, renewable for up to 3 years based on funding and performance and is based out of Ithaca, NY. Field work will be conducted in New York, the Northeast, Canada, and Asia. Time away from Ithaca could vary between 1-2 months.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for a broadly trained individual with strong quantitative skills who is interested in plant-herbivore interactions, different trophic levels, and people. The successful candidate will lead (the Phragmites program) and join graduate students (the Japanese knotweed and water chestnut programs) in a mix of field and quarantine work, analyses of existing long-term datasets, and development of social science projects. The position requires active engagement with graduate students, supervising undergraduate students, management agencies and international collaborators. We expect excellent writing skills addressing both scientific and professional audiences, and interest in applying research results to conservation, management practices, teaching, and extension.

·    Ph.D., in entomology, ecology, or biological control, including training in and experience of methods the position requires

·   Demonstrated capacity for independent, critical thinking, intellectual leadership and ability to publish research in peer reviewed publications

·     Evidence of ability to work collaboratively and independently

This position requires short-term international business travel to Canada and countries in Asia. Qualified candidates must be able to meet all documentation requirements for international travel and the destination country’s entry, stay, and departure requirements. These requirements include but are not limited to a valid passport, visa and health documents. Country-specific information can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s Travel website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html) or the destination country’s official immigration website.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24493).

Qualified candidates should submit a 2-3 page cover letter outlining qualifications, experience for the position (considering the background and desirable qualifications), curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion via the website. 

 Inquiries about position specifics can be directed to Dr. Bernd Blossey (bb22@cornell.edu). Review of applications will begin 15 April 2023.

 Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring salary range for this title is $45,700.00 - $55,341.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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