Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

Postdoctoral Associate in Soil Microbiome Science-Soil Health

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

This advertisement seeks to fill an open postdoctoral position in the Buckley Laboratory investigating the microbial ecology and genomics of soil in the Soil and Crop Sciences Section at Cornell University starting in Summer 2025. The lab investigates soil microbiome diversity and function as it relates to soil carbon and nutrient cycling, soil health, and rhizosphere ecology in both natural and agricultural systems.

The position will be expected to perform research, under the supervision of Dr. Daniel H. Buckley, focused on plant-soil-microbe interactions that regulate soil health in cropping systems. Research will include microbiome analysis of field samples, and microcosm experiments designed to elucidate novel methods for manipulating soil microbiome composition. This research requires a Ph.D. level scientist with skills in microbial ecology and microbiome data science. Responsibilities will include laboratory bench work, establishment and maintenance of experiments in field and greenhouse settings, data analysis, computer and server management consistent with the needs of data analysis, and writing and editing of scientific papers. Responsibilities will also include training and supervising graduate and undergraduate students when necessary, as well as lab administration in support of these research efforts including assisting with grant writing to secure additional funds as needed. The researcher will have opportunities to present at national and international conferences, attend workshops and seminars, participate in collaborative projects and enhance their teaching credentials through occasional guest lectures. More information about the Buckley Lab research program can be found at blogs.cornell.edu/buckley

Anticipated Division of Time

40%: Laboratory/field/greenhouse activities in support of research

30%: Bioinformatic/computational data analysis & synthesis

20%: Manuscript preparation

10%: Mentoring and professional development

Requirements

PhD in Microbiology or related field

Required skills

•        Substantial experience with microbiome data analyses

•          Ability to write code in R and Python

•        Proficiency in bioinformatic/computational/statistical analysis of multivariate data integrating microbial community metrics with continuous and categorical data

•        Ability to design and implement complex experiments with microbes, soils, and plants

•        Ability to perform high-quality research as part of a collaborative team

•        Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Supervision Exercised

The position will supervise both graduate and undergraduate students in research.

To apply

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29438).

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. 

The position is available starting May 1, 2025 and will remain open until filled.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring rate for this title is $61,008.

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.