Cornell University, Lab of Ornithology
Biology
Conservation / Acoustics
Wildlife biology
Marine Biology / Underwater Acoustics
Position Description
Senior Research AssociateAssistant Director of the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation BioacousticsCornell Lab of OrnithologyCollege of Agriculture & Life SciencesIthaca 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.
Located in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary in Ithaca, New York, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (the Lab) is dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of the natural world. The Lab brings together scientists, technologists, educators, and conservation practitioners to make new discoveries, share knowledge, and inspire conservation action globally.
This position will be based in the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics (Yang Center), one of the Lab’s six programmatic centers. The Yang Center collects and interprets sounds in nature by developing and applying innovative technologies across ecologically relevant scales to inform and advance the conservation of wildlife and habitats worldwide. The Center’s interdisciplinary team works across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems in collaboration with partners around the globe.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Yang Center is widely recognized as a global leader in conservation bioacoustics. The Assistant Director is a key leadership position at the Yang Center. We seek an experienced scientist and collaborative leader with a proven track record of managing externally funded research programs and mentoring multidisciplinary, diverse research teams.
This role offers strategic and scientific leadership across the Center’s three pillars: conservation research, conservation technology, and capacity sharing. The Assistant Director leads the Center’s terrestrial research program, oversees key training initiatives, and collaborates closely with the Center Director to promote the Center’s strategic vision, research portfolio, and global partnerships. The ideal candidate will develop and lead an internationally recognized research program in conservation bioacoustics that advances scientific discovery and real-world conservation outcomes. Expect approximately 4–6 weeks of domestic and international travel per year, including travel to terrestrial field sites in Central and South America, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia.
SCIENTIFIC VISION AND IMPACT
The Assistant Director will play a central role in shaping the scientific direction and global impact of the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics. The successful candidate will develop and lead innovative research initiatives that advance conservation bioacoustics and help address urgent conservation challenges worldwide.
Working collaboratively across the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the wider Cornell research community, the Assistant Director will help expand the Center’s scientific leadership, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and establish partnerships that turn technological and scientific advancements into concrete conservation results.
This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of conservation bioacoustics worldwide.
POSITION FUNCTIONS & DIVISION OF TIME
Strategic Leadership and Administration (35%)
- Collaborate with the Center Director and leadership team to develop and implement the Yang Center’s strategic vision and long‑term goals.
- Help guide the Yang Center’s activities to ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
- Serve as a liaison with external partners, funding agencies, and collaborators.
- Support operational oversight of the Yang Center, including personnel planning, budget coordination, and organizational effectiveness.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing research environment.
Conservation Research (30%)
- Provide leadership for the Yang Center’s terrestrial bioacoustics research program and work collaboratively with existing teams to develop innovative research initiatives addressing key conservation challenges.
- Develop new research directions that expand the Yang Center’s scientific leadership and global impact.
- Build and maintain a robust, independent research program in conservation bioacoustics, producing high-impact publications in premier peer-reviewed journals.
- Develop competitive grant proposals and lead externally funded research initiatives that advance the Yang Center’s mission.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance conservation science.
Team Development and Mentorship (15%)
- Mentor and supervise postdoctoral associates, graduate students, technical staff, and scientists.
- Promote a collaborative research culture that supports professional development and scientific excellence.
- Participate in recruitment efforts and contribute to the development of new research positions within the Yang Center.
- Encourage cross‑program collaboration within the Lab, CALS, and across Cornell.
Strategic Capacity Sharing (15%)
- Provide strategic guidance for the Yang Center’s capacity sharing initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Capacity Sharing Team Lead to develop workshops, training materials, and mentorship opportunities in conservation bioacoustics.
- Contribute to educational initiatives when aligned with expertise and program goals.
External Engagement and Resource Development (5%)
- Represent the Yang Center at conferences, workshops, and professional meetings.
- Develop strategic partnerships with universities, NGOs, government agencies, and international conservation organizations.
- Contribute to strategic reports, white papers, and other materials that support research development and philanthropic engagement.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in terrestrial ecology, biology, acoustics, wildlife science, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of six years of relevant post‑PhD research experience in bioacoustics.
- Established record of independent research spanning bioacoustics, ecology, and conservation, supported by peer‑reviewed publications in high‑impact scientific journals.
- Proven experience leading externally funded research projects, developing successful competitive grant proposals, and mentoring and supervising multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate science to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and institutions.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, with a valid passport and capacity to meet health and safety requirements (CPR/First Aid certification, vaccinations, and health clearances).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in terrestrial ecology, biology, acoustics, wildlife science, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of six years of relevant post‑PhD research experience in bioacoustics.
- Established record of independent research spanning bioacoustics, ecology, and conservation, supported by peer‑reviewed publications in high‑impact scientific journals.
- Proven experience leading externally funded research projects, developing successful competitive grant proposals, and mentoring and supervising multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate science to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and institutions.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, with a valid passport and capacity to meet health and safety requirements (CPR/First Aid certification, vaccinations, and health clearances).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ten or more years of research experience following completion of the Ph.D.
- Extensive mentoring experience with graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and early‑career scientists.
- International research experience and familiarity with global conservation challenges.
- Proficiency in foreign languages, particularly those relevant to international conservation research and collaboration.
- Experience collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and international conservation organizations.
SUPERVISION
The incumbent will be supervised by the Director of the Yang Center, Dr. Holger Klinck (Holger.Klinck@cornell.edu). Given collaboration across time zones, occasional meetings outside standard U.S. working hours may be required.
The position will be based in Ithaca, NY, USA, and the incumbent will be expected to establish residency in New York. However, at the Yang Center, we embrace flexibility in the work environment, and there will be the option to work remotely 1-2 days per week.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
The Assistant Director of the Yang Center will supervise and mentor academic and non-academic staff, postdoctoral associates, and undergraduate & graduate students.
TO APPLY
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31941).
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, a leadership statement, and contact information for three references via the website.
Applications will begin to be reviewed on May 18, 2026, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
The CALS hiring range for this title is $112,000-$115,000 annually.
College of Agriculture and Life SciencesLife. Changing.
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With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.
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.
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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
- Leadership Statement
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info:
Ithaca, New York 14850