Position Description

Postdoctoral Associate—Agrarian Studies

Department of Global Development

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Seeking a postdoctoral associate with PhD research and training in fields related to agrarian studies, political ecology, human geography, STS, and development studies. Experience with field research appreciated, including archival research, ethnography, and participatory qualitative techniques. Area studies perspective desired but region of expertise or concentration open; experience in Brazil/Latin America or Mozambique/Southern Africa a plus but not required.

Position Function

The Agrarian Studies Postdoctoral Associate will join and contribute to a vibrant community of scholars across Cornell University, including faculty, researchers, visiting fellows, and graduate students who combine interdisciplinary interests in the everyday experiences of life on the land with disciplinary skills and interests from crop and soil sciences to science and technology studies or regional planning.

The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Wolford to advance an ongoing project related to land, labor, and rural development in Mozambique, as well as a broader, multi-country project on contemporary land tenure and reform issues. They will be integrated into Professor Wolford’s graduate student lab group, meeting regularly with students to discuss works in progress and other issues related to the PhD. Additionally, they will contribute to the Department of Global Development and Cornell more broadly by working on their own research and connecting to colleagues across the university. Depending on interests and feasibility, they may be able to teach a graduate seminar during the spring semester and/or engage in off-campus fieldwork with Professor Wolford.

Anticipated Division of Time

The successful candidate will split their time between their own research and writing (40%), research and writing with Professor Wolford (40%), and teaching or mentoring (20%). The fellow will meet bi-weekly with Professor Wolford and her graduate students, and may choose to join other reading and writing working groups of interest across campus. 

Requirements

The only requirement for the position is a PhD in any field related to agrarian studies. The Associate will need to be based in Ithaca, NY, and willing to be in person on campus.

How to Apply

• The completed application be received electronically by the application deadline of April 30, 2023 at 11:59 EDT through Academic Jobs Online (AJO https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24640).
• Applicants must submit a cover letter, including the expected (or actual) date that they will receive their PhD degree. Eligible applicants must have their PhD conferred prior to beginning the position.
• Full CV in PDF format.
• Description of the personal research the candidate would advance while in the position (maximum of 2 pages, single spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, PDF format).
• Full name and contact information of three references, one of whom must be the applicant’s doctoral advisor. We will reach out to referees as necessary at a later date.
• Statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Applicants being seriously considered for the position will be invited to participate in an interview via electronic conference.
• Candidates will be notified of selection decisions from mid-May to end-May 2023.

Salary and Appointment Details

• The Agrarian Studies Postdoctoral Associate is appointed for a 12-month term.  The 12-month salary is $65,000 plus Cornell employee benefits, including health insurance. Position start date is negotiable between August 1 and September 1, 2023.
• In addition to the annual salary, the Postdoctoral Associate will be provided with an annual professional development or research fund of $5,000 per year.

Notice to Applicants

As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine and booster or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.

New hires are required to provide documentation showing full vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire's vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn. New hires are also required to have and provide proof of their vaccine booster within 30 days of the start of their employment or within 30 days of eligibility for the vaccine booster.

For additional information on Cornell's Vaccination/Booster Compliance Program click here.

EEO Statement

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. 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.