Cornell University, BEE/CALS

Position ID:
Cornell-BEE/CALS-PDSESB [#30906, WDR-00055535]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate Sustainable Energy and Synthetic Biology
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Energy
Sustainability / Sustainability
Molecular Biology / Synthetic Biology
Physics / Chemistry
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2025/10/16, listed until 2026/04/16)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Academic Job Description 
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering 
Postdoctoral Associate – Sustainable Energy and Synthetic Biology 

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 Barstow lab in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University is looking for postdoctoral associate to support, lead and invent projects at the intersection of sustainable energy, synthetic biology, physics and chemistry. The postdoctoral associate will join the growing Microbe-Mineral Atlas Center team to understand how microbes accelerate geology and then leverage it for mining metals for sustainable energy technologies and CO2 sequestration. 

This position includes a 12-month initial appointment, available starting immediately, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon available work, satisfactory performance and continued funding. 

Anticipated Division of Time 
• Characterize the genetics of microbe-mineral interactions and engineer them (65%) 
• Write and publish outstanding peer reviewed research articles and present results at scientific meetings. (30%) 
• Assist in the development of proposals for external funding for research projects. (5%) 

Requirements 
• A PhD degree in physics, chemistry, synthetic, systems or molecular biology or related fields. 
• A track record of independence, and a high level of enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, learning new skills and a demonstrated ability to well as part of a team. 
• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills. I’m particularly interested in candidates who have experience with; 
• Molecular or synthetic biology 
• Microbiology, particularly of non-model organisms 
• Computer programming and experience with the solution of numerical problems, machine vision, and analysis of next-generation sequencing data 
• High-throughput screening 

Supervision Exercised 
This job comes with a high degree of autonomy. The successful candidate will however, be expected to meet with the principal investigator at least twice per week for approximately 2 hours. There are no supervisory components with this position. 

To apply: 
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30906). 

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 
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 (actual letters acceptable but not required, just names and email addresses help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
http://bee.cals.cornell.edu/
email address
 
106 Riley Robb Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-5701