Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Research 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 Research Associate will be responsible for developing a suite of statistical downscaling tests focusing on the representation of meteorological variables and derived quantities, including extremes and diagnostic measures determined to be of interest to DoD stakeholders (e.g., metrics related to human health, energy use, infrastructure) and lead the implementation of tests for multiple statistical downscaled data products, gridded observation-based data sets, and station data. The Research Associate will lead the development of a battery of tests and corresponding metrics having the ability to assess which downscaling methods are most likely to provide robust, reliable information to discriminate between them for our proposed demonstration installations. The Research Associate will co-lead project meetings, present work at projects meetings, annual symposia and other conferences, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute materials to the fit-for-purpose guidance and decision support tool.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a 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.

Anticipated Division of Time
Data analysis (60%):

• Collection and analysis of complex data; may research, tabulate, graph and map complex data.
• Conduct statistical analyses
• Analyze and interpret quantitative data.
• Develop a suite of statistical downscaling tests focusing on the representation of meteorological variables and derived quantities at select sites.
• Develop fit for purpose guidance for select sites.
• Participate in decision support tool design, utilization and research/data analysis, and suggest improvements in decision support tool.

Communication (10%):

• Lead the interfacing with project partners and the sponsor on the interpretation of your results
• Coordinate with project partners on data curation for shared database

Reporting (20%):

• Develop manuscripts reporting research results in peer-reviewed literature.
• Formulate project reports for sponsors.
• Present work on project calls, at annual program meetings, and conferences and workshops
• Co-lead the development of research directions within the project and of follow-on research plans

Other position-related responsibilities (10%):

• Participate in projects or other duties as assigned with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.
• Completion of any university required compliance trainings.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, atmospheric science, or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in working with large gridded climatological datasets.
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in Python or other data analysis software.
• Ability to navigate HPC environments.
• Familiarity with federal and regional climate data sources, especially downscaled climate data sets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to pursue research independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Supervision Exercised

While student supervision is not formally part of the project and job description, the successful candidate is encouraged to work with other group members on related or different research and provide mentorship and guidance when collaborating. No formal supervisory requirements.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30720). 

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 $76,500.

Any questions for this position should be directed to Flavio Lehner (flavio.lehner@cornell.edu) 

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.