Cornell University, Lab of Ornithology

Position ID:

Cornell-Lab-BIORABOW [#30439, WDR-00054758]

Position Title:

Research Associate in Avian Ecology Traits

Position Type:

Non tenure-track faculty

Position Location:

Ithaca, New York 14850, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Ecology / Avian Ecology
Biology / Evolutionary Biology

Appl Deadline:

2025/09/15 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/08/25, listed until 2025/09/15)

Position Description:

Academic Job Description
Department of Ornithology
Research Associate in Avian Ecology Traits

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 Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where full-time faculty and other renowned professionals direct world-class, mission-driven programs. Staff at the Lab teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, collect and disseminate world-famous digital resources on biodiversity, and engage with partner organizations and citizens around the world to conduct scientific research and conservation actions. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work, and our Board leadership includes faculty from Cornell and other universities, successful entrepreneurs and managers from the business and non-profit sectors, and conservation-minded citizens from the United States and beyond.

This position resides with the Lab's Birds of the World (BOW) team, although it is also closely connected to the broader groups and infrastructure through which all the Lab's avian databases are consolidated. BOW is an online series of scholarly monographs that aims to provide authoritative and comprehensive life histories of all bird families and species. Rooted in and linked to the eBird/Clements taxonomy, this series aims to update each family and species account by leveraging the strengths of a community of scientific contributors and editors. Birds of the World produces current, living digital monographs and data resources that are available through web and mobile services for students, professionals, citizen scientists, and government agencies worldwide. BOW is in the process of transforming from a text-based resource to a more data-driven one where appropriate, and avian life history data design and development will be a major focus of the program moving forward.

Position Function

This Research Associate position requires an experienced scientist who will lead our Birds of the World Data Engine team on developing a species-level ecological traits database and more broadly serve as the expert resource for the growing number of projects in our lab that use such data to test major questions about avian biology, such as the drivers of ecological change and population trends, among many such research themes. They will thereby contribute critical data to the management and conservation of diverse wildlife populations worldwide, many of which are threatened by human activities.

In collaboration with faculty and staff leaders based at the Lab and elsewhere at Cornell and beyond, this Research Associate will design and develop a species-level traits data schema, use multiple complementary approaches to populate the data (e.g., human processing, AI processing, linkages to outside data providers), publish an annual versioned data product, and conduct and publish original research on these data focused on avian ecological traits. The successful applicant will contribute to a vibrant, innovative, collaborative and productive research program that capitalizes on the many intellectual opportunities available at the Lab of Ornithology, which connects to and leverages the broader strengths of Cornell University. The Research Associate is expected to promote interdisciplinary dialogue and work with other researchers to identify and define technical needs in the area of avian ecological traits, while supporting the interactive atmosphere within the Program and with other Cornell units and with external collaborators. The Research Associate will serve as an important oversight resource to help our large and dynamic community of undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and visiting researchers.

To achieve these objectives, the successful applicant must have substantial previous expertise in the domain of avian ecology data and the bioinformatics skills frequently employed in this field, along with a strong interest in continually expanding their analytical abilities as new techniques evolve in this notably dynamic and fast-paced area of scientific discovery.

The applicant must also have experience successfully supervising undergraduate workers in the laboratory and field, and in guiding independent student research projects through to successful completion. The Research Associate may have the opportunity to guest lecture in our many undergraduate and/or graduate courses in ornithology, evolution, conservation, or related subjects, and to participate in other Lab endeavors that can leverage their domain knowledge and skills in avian biology.

This is a full-time, 2-year initial appointment, renewable pending on available funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research (60%). Conduct and publish scientific research primarily on avian traits, including organizing and publishing species-level traits datasets. Baseline expectations for research paper productivity are two first- or senior-authored papers per appointment year in strong discipline-specific journals (e.g., Evolution, Conservation Biology) or the equivalent, plus additional co-authorships resulting from collaborations and mentoring opportunities. The Research Associate is expected to represent the Cornell Lab of Ornithology by attending and presenting at scientific conferences, seminars, workshops, and meetings.

Outreach activities (20%). Work with Cornell Lab and Cornell University development staff to engage philanthropic supporters, Lab of Ornithology members, and public audiences. Work with Cornell Lab communication and education staff to disseminate findings to public audiences through the Lab’s on-line and print communications channels, and via external media.

Mentoring, teaching, and training (15%). Train and supervise individuals from a variety of backgrounds and career levels. Supervise Cornell undergraduate workers, and mentor those engaged in independent research projects leading to senior theses and peer-reviewed publications.

Other (5%). Other ad hoc duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Required: PhD in a relevant area of avian ecology or evolutionary biology. Professional record of regularly publishing scientific papers in peer reviewed journals. Experience as a research mentor and/or teacher of less experienced students and colleagues.

Preferred: Three or more years of directly relevant postdoctoral-level research experience (or equivalent) in ecological traits; strong analytical and data handling skills; Strong record of successfully meeting schedules and milestones of research projects that involve multiple stages and several participants; demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple ongoing research projects.

Supervision Exercised

Formal supervision of up to 10 undergraduate student workers annually, and academic supervision of 2-3 undergraduate independent study research students annually. Training of many staff, undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30439).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

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

CALS hiring rate for this position is $82,000.

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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@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:

159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, New York 14850