Cornell University, Department of Entomology - Geneva

Position ID:

Cornell-Department of Entomology - Geneva-POSTDOCEMERY [#30024, WDR-00053037]

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Associate - Emery Lab

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Geneva, New York 14456, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Integrated Pest Management
Entomology

Appl Deadline:

2025/05/31 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/05/13)

Position Description:

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Department of Entomology

Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University, Geneva, NY

Sour rot disease complex

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

We seek to hire a research and extension oriented postdoctoral associate to join a multi- year project to develop and implement IPM practices for managing the sour rot disease complex in wine grapes. Sour rot disease is caused by a complex of actors including yeast, acetic acid bacteria and Drosophila fruit flies. Damaged fruit and high Drosophila populations facilitate the spread of sour rot through vineyards. The sour rot disease complex causes significant economic losses and methods of chemical control for Drosophila risk increase insecticide resistant populations without significantly decreasing disease severity. Fungicides targeting Botrytis bunch rot are not effective for controlling sour rot since they do not target all causal microorganisms. An integrated approach that quantifies sour rot disease risk based on within-vineyard environmental and management conditions is necessary.

The successful candidate will work with PI Emery and other members of the team to assist NY growers in testing decision-support tools in commercial vineyards, investigating the relationship between Drosophila populations, fruit damage and disease severity and extending actionable management recommendations to all stakeholders. Specific responsibilities will be determined based on candidate’s interests and expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands on experience working directly with growers and other stakeholders in research and extension to develop and implement research-based integrated pest management practices.

Anticipated Division of Time

The specific focus of this position will be:

Research on testing best management practices for quantifying sour rot risk and/or disease severity in commercial vineyards (50%): Design and execute field experiments to test/demonstrate and integrate the sour rot decision support tool that is currently in “beta” in commercial vineyards in NY. This will entail working closely with growers and also include monitoring Drosophila, categorizing grape cluster architecture and damage, monitoring weather variation between sites, and estimating economic costs and benefits.

Research on relationships between Drosophila and sour rot severity (20%): Conduct experiments in lab, greenhouse and especially the field to clarify the relationship between Drosophila populations and sour rot severity with the aim to develop intervention and control methods thereby reducing the need for more disruptive conventional chemical control. Work should include integration of different approaches as well as assess potential impacts on non-target organisms.

Extension to stakeholders (15%): Working with the team, help present results of research on sour rot and Drosophila management and best practices to stakeholders through presentations, webinars, newsletter articles and other channels.

Research communication (15%): Publish peer-reviewed articles and present at scientific meetings.

Funding is available for an initial 1 year with the potential to extend for a second year. The desired start date is in autumn 2025.

Requirements

The position requires a PhD in entomology or related discipline with experience and interest in crop protection, disease modeling, landscape ecology, pest/disease management and chemical ecology. Experience with and/or a strong desire to work closely with growers and other stakeholders is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications: Having experience and interest in conducting field-based research on farms is desirable.

Supervision Exercised: No supervision of others is expected, though opportunities may be available for mentorship of graduate students.

To Apply

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30024).

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter that includes a successful research project involving teamwork, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references.

Applications will have an initial review date of May 31, 2025. Review of applications will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. This position will be based in Geneva, NY at the Cornell University AgriTech campus.

CALS hiring salary for this title is $61,008.00

This is a one-year term position, renewable contingent on availability of funds, work and successful performance.

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.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

https://saraemery.com

Cornell AgriTech
Department of Entomology
15 Castle Creek Drive
Geneva, NY 14456