Cornell University, Department of Global Development
Sociology / Social Justice
Agriculture / Ecology
Geography / Human Geography
Development Studies
(posted 2025/10/03, listed until 2026/04/03)Position Description
Department of Global Development
Postdoctoral Associate – Transdisciplinary Agroecology
Seeking a postdoctoral associate with PhD research and training in social science fields related to transdisciplinary agroecology, such as critical agrarian studies, sociology, political ecology, human geography, STS, and development studies. Experience with field research appreciated, including quantitative, participatory and qualitative techniques. Area studies perspective desired but region of expertise or concentration open; experience in Malawi/Africa a plus but not required.
Position Function
The Agroecology Postdoctoral Associate will join and contribute to a vibrant community of scholars across Cornell University, including faculty, researchers, visiting fellows, and graduate students who combine interdisciplinary interests in the everyday experiences of agroecology, political ecology of food systems, and critical social science perspectives on climate change adaptation with disciplinary skills and interests from development studies, to ecology, to crop and soil sciences and science and technology studies, among other disciplines.
The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Bezner Kerr to advance several ongoing projects related to agroecology and rural development in Malawi, as well as develop new research projects on transdisciplinary agroecology and climate change adaptation in Africa and possibly systematic reviews related to climate change adaptation and agroecology. The Postdoctoral Associate will be integrated into Professor Bezner Kerr’s lab group on food, agroecology, climate change adaptation and social justice, including mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in research methods. They will meet regularly with students to discuss works in progress and other issues. The postdoctoral researcher will also help with coordination activities of current and prospective research projects, which involve partners in Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa, USA, Canada, France and Germany. Additionally, they will contribute to the Department of Global Development, the Institute of African Studies and Cornell more broadly by working on their own research and connecting to colleagues across the university. Depending on interests and feasibility, they may be able to teach and/or engage in off-campus fieldwork with Professor Bezner Kerr.
Anticipated Division of Time
The successful candidate will split their time between their own research and writing (30%), research and writing with Professor Bezner Kerr (70%). The postdoctoral associate will meet weekly with Professor Bezner Kerr and her graduate students and may choose to join other reading and writing working groups of interest across campus.
Requirements
The Postdoctoral Associate will need to be based in Ithaca, NY, and willing to be in person on campus.
Required skills/experience:
- PhD in geography, sociology, development studies or related social science
- Proposal /grant writing
- Knowledge/background in transdisciplinary agroecology theory and application
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social sciences
Preferred experience/skills:
- Knowledge/background in community development in Africa
- Participatory methods
- Gender / feminist methodologies
- Systematic review methodologies
Supervision Exercised
The postdoctoral researcher will mentor graduate and undergraduate students who are involved in the research projects and / or part of the Bezner Kerr Lab. No formal supervision is required of this position.
Salary and Appointment Details
• The Transdisciplinary Agroecology Postdoctoral Associate is appointed for a 12-month term, with potential for up to 2 years of annual renewal of the position, dependent upon available work, successful performance, and funding. The 12-month salary is $62,232 plus Cornell employee benefits, including health insurance. Position start date is negotiable between October 16, 2025, and January 2, 2026.
To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30767.
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 $62,232.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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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:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three names and emails of three references (letters of reference will be requested if the applicant is called for interview).
Further Info:
Cornell University
240 Warren Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853