Postdoctoral Associate - Biological & Environmental Engineering

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 Srikrishnan Research Group in the Department of Biological & Environmental Engineering at Cornell University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate. The successful candidate will co-lead a research project in collaboration with researchers at the Environmental Defense Fund on understanding the climate consequences of hydrogen (H2) production and emissions to help produce marginal abatement curves for H2 emissions. In particular, we are interested in (a) quantifying the social cost of H2 emitted into the atmosphere, and (b) understanding the marginal greenhouse gas emissions associated with H2 generation from electric power.

Qualified candidates will have a strong quantitative background in a relevant discipline (e.g., environmental engineering, Earth sciences, climate economics, operations research, or statistics). An ideal candidate would have proficient programming skills and demonstrated experience in computational modeling (particularly integrated assessment or power systems modeling) and data assimilation and an interest in analyzing climate risks. We especially value applicants who are highly motivated to collaborate across more than one discipline and who have good communications skills.

This position is full-time, fully onsite at the Cornell campus in Ithaca, NY, with start date as early as June 1, 2026, though a later start date is negotiable. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with possibility of renewal for at least one additional year, contingent upon available work, available funds, and successful performance.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Conduct computational experiments to understand dynamics of coastal development under dynamic flood risk (60%).
• Actively publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences (30%).
• Provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students (10%).

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a related discipline (e.g. environmental engineering, Earth sciences, climate economics, operations research, or statistics);
• Proficiency in at least one scientific programming language (e.g. Julia, Python, etc.) required;
• Experience with numerical models (preferably integrated assessment and/or power systems models) required;
• Familiarity with data assimilation and/or statistical model calibration preferred;
• Experience and interest in collaborating across a wide set of disciplines preferred.

Supervision Exercised

Candidate will be expected to help mentor graduate and undergraduate students within the research group. There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position.

To apply:

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 $65,000