Cornell University, Lab of Ornithology

Position Description
Christopher W. Clark Postdoctoral Associate: Ecosystem-scale biodiversity conservation in the tropics
Cornell Lab of OrnithologyK. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation BioacousticsCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca, New York
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.
The successful applicant will be co-mentored by Dr. Larissa Sugai (https://lsmsugai.github.io/) and Dr. Connor Wood (connormwood.com) to use acoustic-based wildlife data to pioneer new approaches to ecosystem-scale conservation science leveraging data from large-scale monitoring in tropical biomes that face urgent conservation challenges, including escalating wildfires, agricultural expansion biodiversity loss. Together with local partners, the Yang Center will implement the largest biome-scale acoustic deployment outside of North America. The incumbent will apply cutting-edge analytical tools (e.g. machine learning, ecological modeling), to assess biodiversity – including insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and bats – and provide critical ecological insights that will support efforts in determining the integrity/resilience of entire ecosystems. This includes approaches involving (but not restricted to) population estimates, habitat-use modeling, macroecology applied to conservation, landscape, and spatial pattern analysis.
This is one of two Christopher W Clark postdoctoral research opportunities currently advertised by the Yang Center. The other, the marine-oriented “large whale monitoring using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)” is available here https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29547.
The Cornell Lab is an inclusive community and we recognize that a diverse workforce creates more innovative and impactful work to address global challenges. We are committed to fostering a healthy workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds as well as supporting growth and advancement opportunities. The Lab welcomes staff who are still learning in their careers and who are motivated to take on new challenges.
Position Function
Tropical ecosystems cover just 18% of Earth’s land area, but are home to a disproportionate amount of biodiversity, including 62% of known vertebrate species. Yet systematically monitoring animal populations and ecosystem functioning in the tropics is very challenging. Thus, detailed knowledge of where conservation efforts are most needed are often limited. The Yang Center and a coalition of international and local NGOs, academics, and industry partners are developing new hardware and software tools to conduct the largest passive acoustic monitoring effort in a tropical ecosystem. Key project objectives include: 1) assessing the populations of key indicator species, 2) integrating taxonomically broad biodiversity data and remote sensed data into a comprehensive assessment of “ecosystem integrity”, and 3) ensuring that the project workflow can serve as a scalable and transferrable template that can be applied in other priority ecosystems globally.
This position is a one-year position appointed annually, up to 3 years, contingent upon funding and performance. Additionally, a $10,000/year discretionary fund is provided to cover costs such as computing resources and travel to conferences. Field work is likely to be located in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Anticipated Division of Time
Expected outcomes of this work are the submission of at least three manuscripts to high-impact peer-reviewed journals and coordination with project partners to directly orient the results to regional and local conservation. We anticipate the possibility of fieldwork and sharing knowledge at workshops with local collaborators as requirements.
- Develop and conduct ecological research to meet project goals. Analyze acoustic detections and present relevant ecological and conservation research findings. Support the communication of the findings to relevant conservation actions for stakeholders in the focal ecosystem. (60%)
- Present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars. Prepare at least three manuscripts for high impact peer reviewed journals and other research products, including reports and relevant information to partners. (25%)
- Engaging with partners and possible funders. Participate in career and professional development opportunities. (10%)
- Engage in ongoing academic and intellectual life at the Lab of Ornithology and Cornell University. (5%)
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in biological, environmental, or ecological sciences, statistics, or a closely related field
- Writing skills and a strong publication record for the professional stage of the applicant
- Analytical and programming skills, and experience with population modeling and biodiversity data
- Ability to travel internationally and conduct fieldwork in the tropics (2-3 weeks/year)
- Enthusiasm for working on a large project team, including collaborating with other postdocs on thematically- or geographically related work
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with large biodiversity datasets
- Experience working with large audio datasets
- Familiarity with machine learning tools
- Experience with wetland and/or tropical research and conservation
- Experience with broad-scale survey design techniques, including passive acoustic monitoring, camera traps, eDNA, point counts, or other methods
- Experience working with remote sensed data and GIS skills
- Other beneficial qualifications include: field experience with wildlife; familiarity with tropical ecology, particularly in South America; experience in multidisciplinary teams
- Knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish is beneficial
Supervision Exercised
The incumbent will be expected to meet regularly with project collaborators (within the Yang Center, at NGOs, at other universities, and in government agencies). In addition, there are opportunities for the incumbent to mentor undergraduate students and possibly contribute to informal mentoring graduate students, but neither activity is expected or required.
To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29549).
Review of applications will begin four weeks after posting and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified.
Start date is flexible between July 1, 2025 and early 2026.
CALS hiring range for this title is $61,008 - $68,000.
College of Agriculture and Life SciencesLife. Changing.
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EEO Statement:
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 from all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement supporting diverse communities
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info:
Ithaca, New York 14850