Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

Postdoctoral Associate: Forecasting changes in avian biodiversity under changing climate 

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 a Postdoctoral Associate with experience in statistical modeling, who is also interested in or has experience with species distribution modeling, climate data analysis, and natural resource decision-making. The successful candidate will use data from eBird and structured monitoring programs to identify priority areas for migratory forest birds through the end of the century by forecasting species’ responses to projected climate and land-use/land-cover change under multiple socio-climatic scenarios. The specific focus of this project will be providing external management agencies with robust, high-resolution information on the factors potentially impacting population persistence, which they will then use to make more effective decisions regarding the long-term protection for migratory species. As such, the successful candidate will work closely with researchers both at Cornell and in partner organizations, gaining valuable experience working on a large-scale, multi-sectoral problem.

Specific project objectives include:

1.         Forecasting species’ distributions and relative abundances under multiple socio-climatic scenarios through 2100, while accounting for multiple sources of uncertainty.

2.        Identifying potential priority areas for future avian biodiversity under projected climate and land-use/land-cover change scenarios to inform long-term conservation planning and decision-making.

3.        Using structured survey data to scale eBird-derived estimates of relative abundance to population size to quantify the combined impacts of climate and land-use/land-cover change on population persistence.

In addition to external partners, the postdoctoral associate will be working closely with scientists in the Conservation Science and eBird Status and Trends teams at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We encourage postdoctoral associates to explore related research questions and collaborate on projects conducted in the Lab and with partners.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Develop methods for the use eBird and structured survey data as well as data on climate and land-use/land-cover change to meet project goals. (45%) 

• Present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars. Prepare peer reviewed papers and other research products, including reports and relevant information to partners. (35%)

• Participate in career and professional development opportunities. (10%)

• Engage in ongoing academic and intellectual life within Natural Resources and the Environment, CALS, and Cornell University, and with all external partners. (5%)

• Participate in general project management and working directly with internal and external project collaborators. (5%)

Term of position

This is a one-year appointment, renewable on a year-to-year basis up to three years conditional on satisfactory performance and funding.

Requirements

●        PhD in quantitative ecology, applied statistics, or a related field with strong background in statistics and model development.

●        Experience with R and other statistical languages.

●        Ability to apply quantitative methods to answer ecological questions or hypotheses.

●        Record of success conducting research and scholarly activities, including publication in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences.

●        Experience related to using wildlife survey data and participatory science data is preferred but not required.

●        Experience working with climate data is preferred but not required.

●        Experience in ornithology is a bonus but not required.

Supervision Exercised

The postdoctoral associate will be advised by Dr. Courtney Davis, Assistant Professor in Natural Resources and the Environment. The successful candidate may supervise and mentor students as appropriate.

The postdoctoral associate will be based in Ithaca, NY. Domestic travel is expected for conferences and partner meetings.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30764

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 range for this title is $62,232 to $70,175.

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.