Horticulture Section- Postdoctoral Associate

Academic Job Description

School of Integrative Plant Science

Horticulture Section

Postdoctoral Associate

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 lab of Urban Plant Ecology at Cornell University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead research projects. This work will primarily involve conducting large-scale data synthesis projects to better understand the drivers of urban metacommunities and biodiversity patterns. In particular, the lab is interested in understanding the drivers of biotic heterogeneity in urban environments and the spatial/temporal dynamics of these drivers. This will involve working with pre-existing data collected by the lab, as well as collaborator data and publicly available data from an array of cities. As such, the postdoc should have strong experience working with large datasets, modeling ecological data, and maintaining national/international collaborations. The postdoc will have a relatively high degree of autonomy in developing research projects and directions, in concert with Aaron Sexton, lab PI. If interested, the postdoc could also join in data collection in ongoing field research projects, but this will not encompass a majority of the researcher's time. Opportunities exist for informal mentoring of graduate and undergraduate research students. Start date is expected to be November 2025. This position will be located in Ithaca, New York with the potential of working a hybrid schedule, depending on needs. More information about the lab is available on the website athttps://aaronsexton.com/.

Anticipated Division of Time

* Conduct independent and collaborative research to meet project goals. Predominantly data synthesis work, but potentially also some field work. (70%)

* Meet with collaborators and stakeholders to facilitate research projects.(10%)

* Mentor graduate student research. (10%)

* Present results at academic/extension and popular seminars. (5%)

* Other position-related responsibilities (5%):

- Participate in general project management

- Establish and maintain a safe, productive, and respectful working environment that fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork.

- Engage in ongoing academic and intellectual life within CALS and Cornell University.

Requirements

* PhD in ecology, quantitative ecology, applied statistics, or a related field with strong background in data science, statistics and model development.

* Ability to conduct original research, from conception to completion/publication.

* Knowledge of ecology and ecological systems.

* Knowledge of urban ecosystems and urban ecology is preferred.

* Experience with R, Python, or other programming languages, as well as QGIS/ESRI spatial software.

* Experience working with large datasets and platforms such as GBIF, iNaturalist & GitHub. *Experience with field ecology and field-collected ecological datasets is preferred.

* Experience mentoring graduate students is preferred.

* Strong communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English.

Supervision Exercised

This position may supervise students. Opportunities exist for informal mentoring of graduate and undergraduate research students.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (${JobURL}).

Qualifiedcandidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three referencesvia the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring rate for this position is $62,232.

Pay Range:

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

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or 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. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

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