Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

Postdoctoral Associate

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   

The Center for Conservation Social Sciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct mixed-methods social science research on solar facility siting processes in New York State. This sponsored research project includes collaborators from institutions across the U.S. to examine 10 proposed solar projects to determine how solar siting processes can be accelerated while reducing community burden and enhancing opportunities for deliberation. This Postdoctoral Associate will be part of the Cornell University team responsible for conducting mixed-methods social science research at 3 proposed solar project sites in New York State. The research will provide a host of community-centered, supported, and tested strategies, including best practices around community engagement, siting and permitting, and land use decision-making, to inform the build-out of LSS in the U.S.

The Postdoctoral Associate will observe meetings in the case study communities, conduct stakeholder interviews, and oversee the implementation of a survey in coordination with collaborators. The successful candidate is expected to work with undergraduate and graduate group members on related research and provide mentorship and guidance when collaborating.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

This is a six-month remote appointment with possible 12-month on-site extension contingent on available work, funding, and performance.

Anticipated Division of Time  

• 75% Research. Conduct quantitative and qualitative social science research and perform data analysis.
• 15% Publication and Presentation. Lead and/or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference and public presentations to share research findings.
• 10% Project Management and Mentorship. Build and maintain collaboration with research partners, participate in relevant meetings, oversee work by Undergraduate Research Assistants, and contribute to project reporting.         

Requirements

• Ph.D. in natural resources, geography, sociology, conservation social sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience administering surveys, conducting interviews, performing document analysis, and conducting participant observation.
• Ability to perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license

Supervision Exercised

Position will be supervised by Dr. Richard Stedman.  Employee will have no supervisory responsibility

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30577

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 $64,400 annually.

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.