Position Description

Academic Job Description
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology
Postdoctoral Associate

The College of Arts & 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.

Position Function:

This position entails field work and laboratory-based research examining forest nitrogen dynamics over winter, how these processes will change with warming winters and reduced snowpacks, and how they compare to summer conditions. The primary focus of this position is to lead a cross-season isotopic tracer (15N) study of plant, soil and microbial processes at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  This position is based on Cornell’s campus in Ithaca, NY, with travel to Hubbard Brook. The position includes field, laboratory, and quantitative analyses, as well as opportunities for written and oral presentations of project results.

Anticipated Division of Time: 

Conducting lab- and field-based studies and experiments using stable nitrogen isotopes (15N) to quantify differences in plant, microbial, and soil N retention processes (~50%)

Lead nitrogen isotope-ecosystem studies at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, and complete laboratory analyses at the Cornell Isotope Laboratory (COIL) to determine the fate of an tracer N in these systems, and quantify the activity of nitrogen retention processes over winter. Individual will work in New Hampshire during autumn and early winter to set up the study and make 3-4 subsequent trips to conduct additional sampling. There will be opportunities to ask additional questions of interest to the Postdoctoral Associate. The Postdoctoral Associate will have support from the PI and co-Is, project lab technician, graduate students and undergraduates.

Data analysis (~25%)

Analyze data using rigorous statistical methods and present results at lab meetings and project meetings.

Publishing and presenting research results (~20%) 

Draft and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars.

Student mentoring (~5%) 

Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in related research

Requirements: 

Ph.D. in soil science, plant physiology, biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, or related field. Experience with the analysis of nitrogen cycling and stable isotopes desirable, including knowledge of the relevant literature and research methods. Ability and desire to work collaboratively, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and to also work independently. High levels of project leadership, time management, communication, and writing skills.

Supervision Exercised" 

This position will not directly supervise any other team member. Under the supervision of the PI of the project, Dr. Christine Goodale. The postdoc may mentor undergraduate and graduate students in science, but all supervision of their activities and performance will be done by the PI.

Salary: $57,000

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25378.

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion via the website. 

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

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.

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.