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

A Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Courtney Murdock at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA), for a highly motivated candidate to study how different environmental drivers impact host-pathogen interactions and transmission in the Asian malaria mosquito (Anopheles stephensi) – human malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) system.

The research project, funded by NIH (R01 AI153444-01), will utilize data generated from experiments that define key relationships between temperature, relative humidity, and transmission, along with climate data collected in the field, to build mechanistic models of temporal and spatial variation in urban malaria. Accurately predicting transmission of mosquito-borne diseases in urban environments is challenging due to limited quantitative knowledge on the interacting effects of humidity and temperature on transmission, as well as pronounced spatial variation in human exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito relevant microclimates in cities. Major outcomes will include an improved conceptual framework for the environmental epidemiology of urban malaria based on mosquito biology and new modeling approaches that apply this knowledge to make predictions.

Anticipated Division of Time

Establishing an in vitro culture of human malaria (NF54 and other field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum (10%))

The research associate will be expected to establish and maintain a steady production of human malaria parasites (gametocytes) to support mosquito infection experiments outlined in the funded research program.

Data collection, analysis and interpretation (55%)

The research associate will prepare protocols, troubleshoot, design, execute, analyze, and interpret all experiments related to the project in collaboration with the lab PI and other lab members. The research associate will be expected to oversee the maintenance of the lab, laboratory records, and scientific equipment and to maintain a detailed and comprehensive laboratory notebook which clearly describes results and experiments.

Writing of scientific papers and grant proposals (15%)

The research associate will assist with data preparation for publication in papers, grant proposals, and scientific presentations. Additionally, the research associate will  prepare manuscripts for publication in leading journals, archiving data and code for analyses to the appropriate publicly available repositories (GitHub, Dryad, GenBank, etc.)

Communication (5%)

The research associate will present results at scientific conferences and will be encouraged to actively seek collaborations and new ideas by attending talks and reading literature. The research associate will help generate material for the lab website and for a lab-based blog about scientific discoveries.

Supervision (5%)

The research associate will participate in the oversight and management of general lab operations, help train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students and assist graduate students, other postdocs, or other staff when necessary.

Laboratory management (5%)

The research associate will be expected to oversee the execution of common tasks that includes maintaining a clean and organized laboratory, maintaining equipment and computers in the lab, placing eshop orders for equipment and supplies, adhering to chemical safety procedures as well as disposal of waste and hazardous material and ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements as mandated by the Cornell Office of Occupational & Environmental Health and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Personal and professional development (5%)

The research associate will seek out and attend educational seminars and training workshops relevant to the research, attend weekly lab meetings and continuously maintain all required educational and position qualifications to fulfill job requirements. 

Requirements

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in immunology/microbiology/host-microbe interactions or a related biological discipline, be self-motivated, and have excellent communication (verbal and written English) and organizational skills. Prior post-doctoral experience. Solid molecular biology and cell culture skills, experience working with parasites in vertebrate hosts and / or mosquitoes, and a strong proficiency in statistics and data analysis is preferred. Comprehensive knowledge of or interest in learning how ecological and evolutionary concepts and theory apply to infectious disease is highly desired.

Supervision Exercised

Applicants should also have a strong interest and experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28003).

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 to $49,100 to $74,000.

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.