Cornell University, CVM Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences
*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Cornell K. Lisa Yang
Center for Wildlife Health
K. Lisa Yang Wildlife
Health Fellows Program
Cornell University College
of Veterinary Medicine
Ithaca, NY
FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION:
WILDLIFE PATHOLOGY FELLOW
The Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Wildlife
Health strives to sustain a healthier
world by developing and implementing proactive, science-based solutions to
challenges at the interface of wildlife health, domestic animal health, human
health and livelihoods, and the environment that supports us all. With an
emphasis on the types of interdisciplinary collaboration often required to
foster real progress along the science to policy and action continuum, we work
with a diverse range of stakeholders including governments, local communities, nongovernmental
organizations, and students in the U.S. and around the world to promote
environmental stewardship, build capacity for sustainable change through
training and education, and undertake collaborative research and discovery that
leads to real-world conservation and related health outcomes. Humanity has
brought changes to Earth’s natural systems at a pace and scale that are
difficult to overstate – our domination of land and sea has no precedent. If we
are to successfully address the challenges of saving wildlife on an
increasingly human dominated planet, with species extinctions now one thousand
times faster than before our rise, we must recognize that our own health, and
that of the global economy, are inextricably linked to our stewardship of the
natural world.
The occurrence of unusual or mass mortality events in wildlife is increasing and threatens species conservation and ecosystem integrity. Examples of such events include the sudden mass mortality of approximately 200,000 saiga antelope in Kazakhstan in 2015, attributed to Pasteurella multocida type B triggered by a climatic anomaly. Elsewhere, fatal septicemia associated with an obscure Pasteurella multocida-like bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 caused the deaths of 34 elephants in Zimbabwe in 2020 and may explain the deaths of 350 more in neighboring Botswana in the same year. Many more mortality events remain unexplained, including the increase in mortalities affecting greater one-horned rhinoceroses in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, where annual mortalities of between 27 and 36 animals have occurred since 2017.
Many parts of the world lack the surveillance systems required to detect these incidents, as well as the professional and laboratory capacity to investigate their causes. Understanding the etiological factors and conditions responsible for unexplained mortality events is critical to adopting measures that reduce the likelihood of their repetition or the severity of events when they do occur. This is particularly important when wildlife mortality is shaped by human actions, including but not at all limited to climate change, for example through disruption of the physical, biotic (including microbial), and/or chemical environment.
We are seeking a Wildlife Pathology Fellow with specific strengths in international wildlife mortality investigation. As a member of the Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Wildlife Health, the new Fellow will assist our team to:
- Conduct post-mortem examinations on deceased wildlife specimens to determine cause of death.
- Collect and analyze biological and environmental samples using (for example) histological, microbiological, molecular and toxicological techniques.
- Help develop capacity (human and technological) for in-country diagnostics.
- Collaborate with local wildlife agencies, veterinary services, researchers and other relevant entities to support field investigations and sample collection.
- Emphasize local capacity-building initiatives by providing training and mentorship to local staff and partners, including the development of contextually relevant training manuals and protocols.
- Provide expert consultation and advice on wildlife health issues to stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic / research institutions.
- Document findings, prepare comprehensive reports, and present results to internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in the development of protocols and standard operating procedures for wildlife mortality investigations.
- Stay updated on current research and advancements in wildlife pathology and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
- Other duties as assigned.
POSITION DETAILS:
The full-time position location is Ithaca, NY, with extensive overseas travel. The fellowship is envisioned as being for up to three years, with the second and third years contingent upon satisfactory performance each prior year. Salary commensurate with experience, within a range established for the Cornell K. Lisa Yang Wildlife Health Fellows Program. The Fellow will have at least two faculty mentors at any given time, one related to the geography of focus for a specific activity, and the other based in the Anatomic Pathology Program. The Director of the Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Wildlife Health will also provide fellowship oversight.
REQUIREMENTS:
We are searching for a highly motivated and skilled subject
matter expert who has:
- A Doctor
of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree with specialization in zoo
and wildlife pathology.
- Board
certification or eligibility in veterinary anatomic pathology (DACVP,
DECVP or equivalent).
- Extensive
experience (3-5 years preferred) in conducting wildlife pathology
investigations, preferably in international settings.
- Proficiency
in necropsy techniques and interpretation of gross and histopathological
findings.
- Experience
in ancillary diagnostics ideally including molecular biology techniques
(PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis) and / or ecotoxicology.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and an affinity for
working as part of multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, and
for training.
- Proven organizational skills with the ability to manage
multiple projects simultaneously
and work independently while adhering to tight timelines.
- Prior
experience in capacity-building initiatives, training, and/or mentorship
programs.
- Flexibility
to travel for fieldwork assignments (approximately 60-75% travel, mostly
but not exclusively internationally). A travel / supplies budget is
provided.
- Commitment to wildlife conservation and a passion for protecting biodiversity.
TARGET START DATE: Fall 2024
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: All components of the application must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online https://academicprogramsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27373. Interested applicants should submit: (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a letter of interest, including a brief description of how this position relates to their career plans, and (3) the names (and contact information) of four references.
The salary range for this position is $65,000-$110,000 and will be commensurate with academic credentials and experience.
Questions can be
directed to Dr. Steve Osofsky (s.osofsky@cornell.edu). Applications will be reviewed on a
rolling basis and must be received by May 31st, 2024.
Employment Assistance:
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.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
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 from all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
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:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter including description of how this position relates to Career Goals
- Four references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
Further Info: