Position Description
Academic Job Description
Department of Global Development
Post doctoral Associate – Transdisciplinary Agroecology
Seeking a postdoctoral associate with PhD research and training in fields related to transdisciplinary agroecology, such as political ecology, human geography, STS, and development studies. Experience with field research appreciated, including quantitative, participatory and qualitative techniques. Area studies perspective desired but region of expertise or concentration open; experience in Malawi/Africa a plus but not required.
Position Function
The Agroecology 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 agroecology, political ecology of food systems, and critical climate change adaptation with disciplinary skills and interests from development studies, to ecology, to crop and soil sciences and science and technology studies, among other disciplines.
The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Bezner Kerr to advance several ongoing projects related to agroecology and rural development in Malawi, as well as develop new research projects on transdisciplinary agroecology and climate change adaptation in Africa. The Associate will be integrated into Professor Bezner Kerr’s lab group on food, agroecology, climate change adaptation and social justice, including mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in research methods. They will meet regularly with students to discuss works in progress and other issues. Additionally, they will contribute to the Department of Global Development, the Institute of African Studies 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 and/or engage in off-campus fieldwork with Professor Bezner Kerr.
Anticipated Division of Time
The successful candidate will split their time between their own research and writing (40%), research and writing with Professor Bezner Kerr (50%), and teaching or mentoring (10%). The fellow will meet weekly with Professor Bezner Kerr and her graduate students and may choose to join other reading and writing working groups of interest across campus.
Requirements
The Associate will need to be based in Ithaca, NY, and willing to be in person on campus.
Required skills/experience:
• PhD in geography, sociology, development studies or related social science
• Proposal writing
• Knowledge/background in transdisciplinary agroecology.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social sciences
Preferred experience/skills:
• Knowledge/background in community development in Africa
• Participatory methods
• Gender / feminist methodologies
Supervision Exercised
The postdoctoral researcher will mentor graduate and undergraduate students who are involved in the research projects and / or part of the Bezner Kerr Lab.
Salary and Appointment Details
• The Transdisciplinary Agroecology Postdoctoral Associate is appointed for a 12-month term. The 12-month salary is $61,008 plus Cornell employee benefits, including health insurance. Position start date is negotiable between August 1 and September 1, 2024.
To apply:
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 $61,008.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.