Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

Postdoctoral Associate 

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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

Summary: Agrivoltaics, the paring of agricultural and solar energy production, can limit land-use competition and save prime ag land for crop production, yet its operational feasibility is largely unknown. We seek an interdisciplinary, applied ecologist/entomologist to join a team of researchers across Cornell College of Ag and Life Sciences to study the efficacy of co-located crop and solar energy production in New York State, with a focus on agroecological mechanisms affecting feasibility. The “agroecology” postdoctoral scholar in DNRE will collaborate with a postdoc focused on agronomy in the School of Integrated Plant Sciences. Broadly, the project aims to test the efficacy of crops in New York State grown among solar panels relative to control plots without solar development. The agroecology postdoc will develop and implement research that include, but is not limited to, the following themes in relation to solar energy infrastructure and crop performance: 1) plant-insect interactions, including pollinators (when applicable); 2) applications of Integrated Pest Management; 3) plant (weed and otherwise) biodiversity; and 4) interrelationships between biophysical microhabitats and soils. We will provide support for taxonomic identification of specimens. The postdoc will conduct research in the field across two spring/summer growing seasons. The postdoc will develop their own research ideas in coordination with PIs, based on previous research strengths and perceived synergies among the team.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Research 60%
• Data Analysis 30%
• Writing 10%

Requirements

Qualifications: Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, agronomy, or related field, with an emphasis on agroecology | Experience with fieldwork in cropping systems | Proven capacity to publish in peer-reviewed outlets in a timely manner | Ability to work within an interdisciplinary, scientific team | Capacity to independently generate concepts leading to novel and timely research products | Well-developed scientific writing and analytical skills

Supervision Exercised

No supervision is expected.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26968

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

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

CALS hiring range for this title is University minimum $56,484.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

 Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.

 Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

 Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

 Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.