Academic Job Description

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

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 

The Research Associate sought for this position is a PhD-level scientist who will contribute to research in the Grodsky Lab, under the supervision of the Department Chair, Richard Stedman, focused on renewable energy ecology. The primary functions of the position are to conduct research in coordination with the PI on interaction among energy development, ecosystems, and people.  The Research Associate will supervise and implement a long-term research project on the ecology of solar energy development on abandoned agricultural lands in California and broadly assist in the research enterprise of the Grodsky Lab. Occasional travel to California to meet with collaborators and the research field will be necessary. This is a full-time, in-person position (40 hours/week). This is a three-year appointment, which is renewable upon satisfactory performance, work, and funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research (90%) – Research duties include the following: (1) authoring and co-authoring journal articles and presenting at academic and professional conferences; (2) supervising and coordinating collection of ecological data at research sites; (3) independent conductance of statistical analyses; (4) co-mentoring postdocs and graduate students with the PI; 5) developing and assisting with research proposals; and (6) contributing to the strategic vision of the Grodsky Lab.   

Administration (10%) – Duties include the following: (1) coordinating implementation of research projects in the Grodsky Lab; and (2) overseeing and maintaining project budgets.

Requirements

Ph.D. in ecology or related field. Experience conducting research on renewable energy and ecosystems

Established record of peer-reviewed publication and capacity to conduct quality research independently

Demonstrated success in securing funding and conducting collaborative research

Ability to manage project activities and develop and manage budgets on multiple projects

Experience supervising staff or students on research projects

Supervision Exercised

This position will supervise the research support staff, including students, of the Grodsky Lab.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27959.

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 $49,100 - $74,000.

This position will be full time, 100% FTE, fully onsite and initial appointment length is three years.

 

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.

 

 

 

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