Academic Job Description

Soil and Crop Sciences Section, School of Integrative Plant Science

Postdoctoral Associate in Agrivoltaics Crop Production

DiTommaso lab

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.

School of Integrative Plant Science: Incoming Postdoctoral Associates will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary community on the main campus located in Ithaca, NY. The Section of Soil and Crop Sciences (http://scs.cals.cornell.edu/) is part of Cornell’s School of Integrative Plant Science (http://sips.cals.cornell.edu/) at College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (https://cals.cornell.edu

Position Function     

Position: Seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Associate to assist with research and project management on a project assessing the viability of crop production within solar arrays in New York State. Our research aims to inform the development of co-located crop and solar energy production in New York through assessment of crop viability, production and yield trade-offs, and market access for a wide range of crops from forage to field crops to vegetables and small fruit. The position is housed in the Section of Soil and Crop Sciences within the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) at Cornell University.

The focus of this postdoctoral associate position will be on agronomics, including production and quality measures for a wide range of crops, disease/insect/weed pressure, and economic outcomes for a wide range of crops from field crops to vegetables and small fruit. This postdoctoral associate will be involved with project and field work coordination, data collection/management/analysis, article and report writing, and support of teaching and extension activities, such as providing lectures as desired at Cornell courses on agrivoltaics and assist with classes.

The postdoctoral associate will collaborate with a team of two principle investigators, project manager, graduate student, postdoc focused on agroecology, and technicians/student assistants. The project also consults with several professors providing expertise for various commodity areas.

The New York State Crops in Solar project is assessing the viability of forage, field crop, vegetable, and small fruit production within solar arrays across New York State. Due to the broad nature of this study, the work is supported by several professors. Antonio DiTommaso is a weed ecologist with a strong background in cropping systems science and sustainable agriculture research and is the coordinating PI for the agronomic side of this project. Steve Grodsky is the coordinating PI for the agroecological side of the project, assessing insect diversity and function and other ecological factors. Steve Reiners is providing expertise for vegetable production, and Marvin Pritts for small fruit production.

This position is a 1-year, full-time appointment, with the option and expectation for extension contingent on funding, available work, and successful performance. The position is anticipated to start November of 2024. Salary is competitive and commensurate with background and experience. Benefits package is included.

Anticipated Division of Time

Requirements

• Successful candidates must have a PhD degree in Agroecology, Agronomy, Weed Science, Soil Science, or related discipline
• Relevant research experience and/or strong interest in the project
• Strong analytical and scientific writing skills
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse, interdisciplinary team
• Publication record; expectation of producing 2 quality publications per year
• Experience with fieldwork in cropping systems and interest or experience in agricultural production, climate change adaptation and mitigation, or weed science
• Current driver’s license and ability to travel overnight for field work throughout New York State; frequent trips to distant field sites

Supervision Exercised

The postdoctoral associate will assist with direction of field technicians and support the work of one to two graduate students, and will supervise one to four summer undergraduate student employees.

Salary:

CALS hiring rate for this title begins at $61,008 and is competitive, commensurate with background and experience. An attractive benefits package is available.

Term is a one-year appointment, renewable for one additional year contingent on performance and funding. The position is available starting November 1, 2024 and will remain open until filled.

Information about salary and benefits at Cornell can be found here: https://postdocs.cornell.edu/benefits/cornell-funded-postdocs-benefits/.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28605).

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 with a competitive benefits package.

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.