Research Associate

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Center for Engagement in Science & Nature

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York, USA

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.

Anticipated Division of Time:

Research (65%). Conduct and publish scientific research utilizing the Center's and the Lab's open access, big data resources, focusing on ecological research questions. Contribute and collaborate with researchers internal and external to Cornell to ensure publication of high-quality research in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Develop analytical approaches and R packages promoting best practices in analysis of the Lab's data sets. Serve as a key point of contact for the members of the global research community who are interested in our platforms and data resources. Collaborate with the social science research team on research focused on the human dimensions of the Center's work. Baseline expectations for research productivity are two first-authored papers per year in strong journals, plus additional co-authorships resulting from collaborations and mentoring. Attendance and presentation of research and workshops at relevant scientific conferences is expected (2-3 / year).

Mentoring (15%). Independently and in collaboration with the Center's co-Director, mentor Cornell University undergraduate students in conducting research leading to senior theses and peer-reviewed publications with the students as lead authors. Identify projects amenable to student training and success. While much of the work should focus on utilizing the Lab's existing data resources, developing additional projects in ecology and ornithology is encouraged.

Funding activities (10%). Partner with Lab and external collaborators to seek grants (Cornell, state, federal or foundation) to support research initiatives. Work with the Cornell Lab's Advancement team to engage and steward our extensive and generous donor network.

Outreach and Extension (10%). Work with the Center's project teams and the Cornell Lab communications staff to disseminate findings to public audiences through the Lab's online and print communication channels. Other ad hoc duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements:

PhD in a relevant field (e.g., ecology, biology, data science, natural resources, behavioral ecology) with extensive knowledge of research and literature in avian ecology. Strong record of publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. Proven success in mentoring undergraduate research. Mastery of R, strong documentation skills, and willingness to collaborate in the GitHub ecosystem are required.

Preferred Requirements:

One or more years of postdoctoral research experience. Grasp of the literature in nesting/reproductive biology and/or foraging ecology. Previous experience with participatory science. Fluent in English, with additional language skills (Spanish or Portuguese) and experience with international collaboration are helpful.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience. Hiring range for this title is $80,000 - $82,000.

Appointment: This is a full-time, 1-year term, with possibility of renewal up to 3 years pending funding, available work and successful performance.

Supervision:

Primary supervisor is Dr. David Bonter, co-Director of the Center for Engagement in Science & Nature, Cornell Lab.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision of undergraduate student employees and research students for projects leading to senior theses and peer-reviewed publications.

Location:

In-person work based at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York is required to facilitate collaborative research across the team and to effectively recruit and mentor student researchers. Hybrid flexibility will be considered (e.g., in the office 3-4 days/week, and/or flexibility in work location within NYS for 1-2 months/year).