Research Associate – Livestock and Global Change

Department of Global Development College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

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.

Cornell's Food Systems & Global Change (FSGC) team is a part of the Department of Global Development, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and focuses on increasing the sustainability of food systems for the benefit of humans and ecosystems. We work in the areas of sustainable intensification of agriculture, climate mitigation and adaptation, livestock systems, and healthy and sustainable diets, providing analysis and insights aimed at helping to shape the decision-making process at all relevant levels. The livestock sector is a crucial component of the food system and, due to its impacts and contributions, can play a defining role in any sensible development strategy. We are looking for a motivated research associate to provide support in performing analyses to guide decision making in the livestock sector in order to support sustainable food systems transitions.

Position Function

The research associate will provide leadership for various projects aimed at supporting decision-making in livestock and broader food systems. Responsibilities will include developing a global dataset on livestock resource use and impacts, performing multi-scale (global, regional, national) and multidimensional (biophysical, economic, environmental, social) analyses of livestock production systems, selecting case studies for virtual fencing technology (currently under development) and contributing to other related projects. Additionally, the research associate will assist with data collection and analysis, contribute to grant writing, supervision and mentoring of junior researchers, administrative tasks, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research findings at conferences and seminars. Opportunities to develop independent projects and support other related initiatives within the FSGC team may also be available.

 Responsibilities and Anticipated Division of Time

1. Research activities (65%):

·       Planning and executing research projects involving multi-scale (global, regional, and national) and multidimensional (biophysical, economic, environmental, and social) analyses of livestock production systems.

·       Collecting, managing, and analyzing data with the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and compliance with scientific best practices.

·       Developing relevant modelling tools to support comprehensive analyses of livestock systems.

·       Assessing environmental impacts of current livestock production systems and evaluating potential outcomes from projected changes.

·       Analyzing and comparing sustainable pathways for future livestock sector developments and production systems.

·       Identifying and establishing case studies to apply virtual fencing technology, currently under development.

·       Providing technical support and collaboration for other projects within the FSGC team.

·       Preparing manuscripts and publishing findings in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals.

·       Presenting research outcomes at academic conferences and professional seminars.

2. Grant writing and funding applications (10%):

·       Assisting in writing research grant proposals or applications for funding

·       Gathering necessary preliminary data and background information for grants

·       Maintaining and tracking documentation required by funding bodies

3. Supervisory and mentoring responsibilities (10%):

·       Supervising and mentoring research staff, PhD students, or postdocs

·       Providing guidance, training, and technical support to others in the research team

·       Ensuring compliance with research ethics, safety regulations, and institutional guidelines

4. Administrative and organizational tasks (5%):

·       Assisting in managing research budgets, inventory, and ordering supplies or equipment

·       Assisting the project manager with planning, coordination, and scheduling of project activities and milestones

·       Writing progress reports for project sponsors

5. Collaboration and communication (5%):

·       Coordinating with research team members, collaborators, and external stakeholders

·       Attending and presenting research updates in team meetings, seminars, and conferences

·       Supporting the PI or supervisor in networking and establishing collaborations

6. Professional Development (5%):

·       Participating actively in training sessions, workshops, and conferences to stay current in the research field

·       Enhancing technical skills through continuous learning of new methodologies, software, or statistical techniques

Required Qualifications

·       Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, or a related discipline, and 5+ years of relevant professional experience.

·   Proven experience in livestock system modelling.

·       Demonstrated expertise in rangeland modelling and management, including the development of comprehensive livestock feed libraries.

·        Experience working with global databases and sustainability indicators related to the livestock sector (environmental, economic, biophysical, and social).

·   Ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse, interdisciplinary teams.

·   Proficiency in handling spatial data.

·   Strong analytical abilities and excellent written communication skills.

·   Ability to independently plan and execute research projects.

·       Strong collaborative spirit and willingness to assist with administrative and organizational tasks.

Supervision Exercised

·       Supervising and mentoring research staff, PhD students, or postdocs

·       Providing guidance, training, and technical support to others in the research team

·       Ensuring compliance with research ethics, safety regulations, and institutional guidelines

This is a 1-year renewable commitment, contingent upon available funding and successful performance. This position is anticipated to start in January 2026.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31459.

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.

If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Prof. Mario Herrero (mh2258@cornell.edu).

 CALS hiring range for this title is $78,800 - $85,000.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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