Cornell University, Animal Science

Position ID:
Cornell-Animal Science-RA1 [#31416, WDR-00056233]
Position Title: 
Research Associate - Food System Modeler
Position Type:
Non tenure-track faculty
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Sustainability / Global Livestock and Food Systems
Systems Modeling / Food System Modeling, Sustainability, Global Livestock and Food Systems
Appl Deadline:
2026/01/16 11:59PMhelp popup** (posted 2025/12/16)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Academic Job Description
Department of Animal Science 
Research Associate - Food System Modeler

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 

This position is part of a research program on sustainability assessments of global livestock and food systems. This role requires an experienced scientist and/or programmer to use models in researching the impacts of food policy, supply chain practices, human behavior, and farm management on the sustainability of food and agricultural systems. This individual will be required to lead the ongoing development and deployment of the City Food Policy Project food system model. They will also lead development of software integrations for use in life cycle assessments, dynamic system models of livestock production, and environmental impact models and methods. Responsibilities include model design, analysis, coding, testing, debugging, and documenting; ensuring code meets industry standards and is compatible across platforms; participating in database design and utilization; communicating with users for needs analysis and providing resolution for software and research systems; training staff/students on modern coding standards and best practices; completing code reviews; and providing technical support for data analyses and visualization. They will mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in research in the lab. The individual will be expected to contribute to scholarly publications and grant proposals, and prepare research reports. 

Individual can work remote from within the US, however there will be 1-3 trips to the Ithaca campus per year for activities such as a quick start workshop with one of the lab's models for new graduate/undergraduate students working in the lab.

Anticipated Division of Time 

Research – 90% 
Mentoring – 10% 


Requirements 

Required 
• PhD in Computer Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, or relevant field and/or experience conducting similar work 
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, R) and database systems 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively 
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and agile development 
• Experience collaborating with teams using GitHub, Slack, and other code development, sharing, and project management platforms 
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS drivers’ license and be cleared to drive for university business and register with Agile/Fleet Commander. 

Preferred 
• Record of scholarly publications and experience supporting research projects, including data analysis and grant preparation 
• Experience with agent-based models, statistical methods, artificial intelligence, process modeling, and data visualization 
• Experience working in teams with people from various socioeconomic, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds • Familiarity with system dynamics models 
• Experience with cloud platforms 
• Familiarity with programming languages such as JavaScript, ASP/.NET, PHP, SQL, Java, and related technologies 


Supervision Exercised 

This position will not formally supervise others but will mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in research in the lab.

To apply:

 

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31416).

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 $75,000 - $80,000.

 

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 (no actual letters, just names and email addresses help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/
email address
 
Cornell University
Department of Animal Science
149 Morrison Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853