Position Description

Postdoctoral Associate, Applied Economics and Management

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Cornell University

The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business invites applicants for a Postdoctoral Associate position in our Applied Economics and Management area, with a school affiliation in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. The intended start date for this position is October 1, 2025. This position is a 12-month, non-tenure track, position with an initial appointment of 1 year. This position has the possibility of an additional one-year renewal contingent upon performance and available funding. The position will be based in Ithaca, NY.

The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and Center for Conservation Social Sciences at Cornell University are seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct qualitative and quantitative social science research on new agrivoltaics developments in New York State. This sponsored research project is part of a larger interdisciplinary team, and will examine up to 8 proposed agrivoltaics (dual use ag-solar) projects in New York State by NYSERDA to understand the landowner, community, and societal perceptions of these agrivoltaics developments, as well as the profitability and cost-effectiveness of agricultural production within the agrivoltaics systems. This Postdoctoral Associate will be part of the Cornell University team responsible for conducting mixed-methods social science and economic research at these proposed agrivoltaics solar project sites. The research will help gauge views and perceptions of hosting landowners, agricultural and rural community members, developers, and policymakers through qualitative and quantitative data collection, and help assess economic profitability and cost-effectiveness through quantitative data analysis. This Postdoctoral Associate will be co-supervised by Dr. Wendong Zhang at Dyson School and Dr. Richard Stedman at Center for Conservation Social Sciences.

The Postdoctoral Associate will help assist a new state-funded research project that will evaluate the collect and analyze socioeconomic data from NYSERDA-funded agrivoltaics demonstration sites across New York State. Specifically, the postdoctoral associate will 1) conduct and lead periodic interviews with hosting landowners, agricultural and rural community members, developers, and policymakers to gauge their views and perceptions of agrivoltaics, 2) contribute to quantitative survey development, implementation, and data analysis for each site; 3) gather and analyze the agricultural and energy production data to conduct empirical data analysis to assess each project sites’ economic profitability. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams consisting of agronomists, extension associates, and soil scientists, and work with undergraduate and graduate group members on related research and provide mentorship and guidance when collaborating.

The ideal candidate will possess Ph.D. in agricultural economics, sociology, conservation social sciences, or a closely related field. Additional qualifications are as follows:

Required Qualifications: 

·         Demonstrated experience administering surveys, conducting interviews, hosting focus group discussions, performing document analysis, and conducting participant observation.

·         Ability to perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including causal inference.

·         Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

·         Capability to coordinate and supervise project teams.

·         Ability to work as part of a professional team, promoting cooperation and collaboration, as well as exercising independent judgment to carry out discrete tasks.

·         Excellent and detail-oriented written communication and editing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Previous research experience focused on renewable energy.

·         Experience and comfort working in rural settings in North America.

·         Working understanding of the roles of relevant state and local regulations and guidance for large scale solar and agrivoltaics developments in New York State.

·         Experience with group facilitation and community engagement, especially in complex multi-objective projects.

·         Strong leadership skills.

The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (established on July 1, 2016) combines three Schools: the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management (Johnson), the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (Dyson), and the Nolan School of Hotel Administration (Nolan).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. Applications received after August 31, 2025 will be reviewed if the position has not been filled.

The following materials are required:

1.  Letter of interest, with clear indication of position being applied for;

2.  Curriculum vitae;

3.  Up to three research papers;

4.  Three recommendation letters;

5.  Evidence of qualitative research experience or capability, such as leading focus group discussions

6.  Any other supporting documents

In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $62,232. Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.