Position Description

EcoLab – Soil and Crop Sciences Section, School of Integrative Plant Science
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Senior Research 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:
EcoLab is an ecological modeling and a big data research lab in the Soil and Crop Sciences Section, the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The research program of EcoLab is designed to advance predictive understanding of ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry under the global environmental change via data-model integration. Major issues to address include (1) how global change alters structure and functions of terrestrial ecosystems, and (2) how terrestrial ecosystems regulate climate change. Diverse approaches have been used, including data synthesis, modeling, data-model fusion, theoretical analysis, machine learning, experimentation, and observation. In addition to conducting original research, EcoLab also develops tools for data-model integration studies and ecological forecasting.

The incumbent of this Senior Research Associate (SRA) position will lead research as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) and, meanwhile, share the responsibility of managing the EcoLab.

Anticipated Division of Time:
Conduct and lead original research towards improving predictive understanding of carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems in response to climate change, such as elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide and increasing land surface temperature, via multiple approaches, including data synthesis, modeling, and data-model integration. Carry out data collection and compilation to be used in synthesis and data-model integration studies. Perform data analyses or modeling work. (25%)

Analyze and interpret the research output from data synthesis and modeling studies for advancing our predictive understanding of land carbon cycle under climate change. Write manuscripts to be published in technical or scientific journals. Present results of synthesis and modeling studies at scientific meetings. Maintain computational resources used for data synthesis and modeling studies. (25%)

Collaborate with software engineers and computer scientists in the development of tools for conducting data-driven modeling of and forecasting of land carbon cycle dynamics. Explore and leverage existing technologies and resources when possible. Promote the use of the developed tools by researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders. Lead, guide, and mentor students and postdocs on sponsored research projects. Promote communication and collaboration among SIPS academic and non-academic staff. Encourage and facilitate cross-programmatic collaboration. Establish and maintain a safe, productive, and respectful working environment that fosters a culture of inclusiveness, teamwork and high-quality research and development results. (10%)

Independently identify, seek and secure funding sources for research. Collaborate with other PIs on the development of potential funding sources that support the mission of EcoLab. Serve as PI or Co-PI on multiple, concurrent sponsored research projects. Write grant and contract proposals for new funding opportunities. (10%)

Share the responsibility of managing Cornell EcoLab, including organization of workshops, training courses, lab meetings, and project meetings; assistance with paperwork for hiring new postdocs and hosting visiting research scholars and student interns; assistance with supplementary documents for proposal submissions; maintenance of lab webpage and external computational resources; and purchases of lab supplies (30%).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. in biology, ecology, Earth system science, or related fields. At least 5 years of postdoctoral experience or relevant research experience. At least 5 years’ experience in modeling studies; previous experience in proposal development; proficiency in statistical analysis; and keen interest in modeling land carbon cycle in response to climate change.

Must have a strong record of original independent research and peer-reviewed publications. Experience of seeking funding for research and potential ability to develop an independent program. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proven project management skills, such as successfully reporting and meeting schedules and milestones of research projects that involve multiple stages, complex budgets, and several participants. Demonstrated experience leading or working as part of a team.

Experience of managing a research lab and coordinating research projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
At least 6 years of research experience obtained after conferral of PhD degree, in a combination of titles (post-doctoral associate, research associate, research professor, etc). Demonstrated supervisory skills are desirable.

This is a full time appointment, renewable annually upon satisfactory work performance and funding availability.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Supervise postdoctoral researchers and graduate students to advance related projects. Mentor undergraduate students interested in related projects.

To apply:  Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27453.

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 $93,560 - $99,562.

 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.