Faculty Position Available

Assistant / Associate Professor

Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Science

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University

Position:       Assistant/Associate Professor, Tenure-track.

Location:      Ithaca, NY, USA. The academic home for this position is the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University. 

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment welcomes applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in aquatic ecology and fisheries science at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. The position will entail 50% research and 50% teaching. Responsibilities will center around research complemented by teaching and mentoring within the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE). DNRE is a leader of sustainability science within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS); our collective expertise in the natural and social sciences is paired with vigorous traditions of non-academic partnerships and stakeholder engagement. We seek to build upon existing strengths in aquatic ecology and ecosystem management within DNRE and other Cornell units by hiring a researcher interested in leveraging both field expertise and regionally collected long-term data resources.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish an internationally recognized research program that attracts external funding to advance freshwater science and improve the management of lake ecosystems. Research will be based primarily in regional freshwater systems including work at the Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS). The Station sits on the shore of Oneida Lake, and its research facilities enable field sampling, controlled experiments at multiple scales, and analysis of a wide variety of sample types. CBFS continues to build upon its globally notable data assets, including 65+ years of limnological and fish community data from Oneida Lake, and annual lower trophic data from Lake Ontario (since 1995) and the other four Laurentian Great Lakes (since 2012). These long-term data are well suited for connecting the physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of lake ecosystems with climate drivers, land cover change, and societal outcomes (fisheries, harmful algal blooms, recreational opportunities). For decades, CBFS has been a focal point for collaboration between Cornell and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), creating opportunities for innovative management experiments, professional development of agency staff, and translation of knowledge to inform fisheries management decisions. There are also ample opportunities to synergize with Cornell researchers associated with the Adirondack Fishery Research Program, the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the Center for Conservation Social Sciences.

Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as is excellence in and commitment to teaching, translation of knowledge, advising, and inclusive mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. We seek colleagues with a record demonstrating success and/or promise across all these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. As such, candidates are expected to engage in service and leadership activities within the department, the college and university, and relevant professional societies. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing marginalized identities who are underrepresented in academia, the classroom, and higher education careers (as evidenced by life experiences and educational background). We encourage applications from candidates who have experience in building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment through teaching, mentoring, research, outreach, life experiences, and/or service.

Position Responsibilities:

This position has a balanced effort between research (50%) and teaching (50%).

Research (50%) – The successful candidate will develop and lead an externally funded and internationally recognized research program to advance freshwater science and improve the management of lake ecosystems.

The successful candidate is expected to maintain a well-funded research program. Excellence in and commitment to development of multidisciplinary team-based research is essential.

Teaching (50%) – Classroom teaching expectations will involve two undergraduate courses per year, with topics and timing designed around the individual’s expertise and the needs of the cross-college Environment and Sustainability (E&S) major. At least one course should focus on freshwater ecosystems or taxa (e.g., fisheries science, fish ecology, lake ecosystem management). Contributions to graduate-level teaching will be welcomed but are not required. Opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students abound at CBFS, including leveraging the station’s facilities, team-oriented atmosphere, and connections with management agencies.

Location: The successful candidate will be located at Cornell University’s Ithaca Campus. 

Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will join the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment as a tenure-track faculty member within College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. A CALS mentoring program to support personal and professional development for new faculty will provide advocacy, guidance and assistance.

Qualifications: 

A Ph.D. in natural sciences relevant to lake ecology and management (e.g., biology, ecology, limnology, marine science, fisheries, biogeochemistry, environmental engineering) is required.

Engagement with social sciences or other disciplines is also welcome. We especially encourage applicants whose scholarship integrates across temporal and spatial scales, brings an ecosystem perspective to lake ecology and fisheries, and seeks to improve stewardship of aquatic resources through applied research.

Experience managing or engaging with biological field stations or other research centers is desired but not required. In addition, we welcome applicants whose work has contributed to meeting the needs of management agencies and environmental NGOs.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 2025 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) a teaching statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) 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”, 6) copies of three relevant publications, 7) names and contact information for three references. References will only be contacted for applicants who are selected for web-based interviews.

Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29092

Applications received by January 20, 2025 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Inquiries may be directed to:

Dr. Pete McIntyre (pbm3@cornell.edu), Search Committee Chair

Please use the subject line: “Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Science Search.”

CALS hiring range for position:

Assistant Professor: $90,000 - $130,000

Associate Professor: $115,000 - $170,000

Cornell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Support for start-up costs will be available. Salary is commensurate with experience.

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 seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

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.