The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. 

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world’s leading resource for research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where full-time faculty and other renowned professionals direct mission-driven programs. Staff at the Lab teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, collect and disseminate world-famous digital resources on biodiversity, and engage with partner organizations and citizens around the world to conduct scientific research and lead conservation actions.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology invites applications for our Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowships. These competitive postdoctoral fellowship awards (www.birds.cornell.edu/postdoc) support innovative, independent research by early career scholars of exceptional promise.

Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship awards support individuals pursuing cutting-edge scholarship, while fostering intellectual interaction among Lab programs and experts from across the University. Any area of inquiry related to the Lab’s mission “to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds” is potentially appropriate. Activities involving research and/or outreach spanning several Lab programs are particularly encouraged, and some postdoctoral scholars are co-mentored. Projects that foster links among people and units from across Cornell University and beyond are likewise welcome and encouraged. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the most relevant faculty and staff at the Lab to brainstorm about areas of mutual interest and synergistic projects. We are especially interested in supporting the independent research of individuals who can bring new ideas, approaches, and connections to the Lab, while simultaneously leveraging our existing tools, data, and expertise in science, education, and communication.

Multiple Rose Fellow positions are available annually, with 2021 applications due on October 4. The Rose Postdoctoral Program at the Cornell Lab is currently home to a vibrant community of several dozen postdoctoral associates working across all programs, and we strive to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for this community that fosters personal growth and career advancement.

This is a full-time appointment for two years, re-appointed annually with the later year conditional on satisfactory performance. 

Basic Function and Responsibility: 

The Postdoctoral Associate will lead research on the subject area outlined in the research statement submitted as part of their competitive application. Rose Postdoctoral Associates work under the supervision and mentorship of one or more senior Cornell scholars, while having substantial agency and opportunity to pursue their own research program. No formal teaching is expected, but teaching opportunities that benefit the career development of the Rose Fellow can often be arranged.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Conduct independent research to meet project goals. (50%)
• Present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars. Prepare peer reviewed papers and other research products, including reports and relevant information to partners. (20%)
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators on the development of grant proposals and project budgets. (5%)
• Engage in ongoing academic and intellectual life within the Lab of Ornithology and at Cornell University including with research peers and earlier-career students. (10%)
• Participate in general project management and working directly with internal and external project collaborators. (5%)
• Perform related projects and special duties as assigned. (5%)

Qualifications: 

• PhD in ecology, biology, marine science, wildlife biology, behavior, conservation, social science, or a related field aligned with the Lab’s mission.
• Ability to conduct original research, from conception to completion.
• Strong record of success conducting research and scholarly activities, including publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with grant writing and budget development helpful.
• Ability to work effectively both in a team and independently.
• Respect for and sensitivity to differences of culture, identity, and background in the workplace and with external stakeholders.
• Must have strong communication skills and be proficient in spoken and written English.

Supervision Exercised: 

None

Competitive Salary range: 

$50k – $60k

What We Offer You 

• We hope you appreciate great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, access to wellness programs, employee discounts, and generous retirement contributions.
• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: including an end-of-year paid winter break, from December 25th through January 1st.
• Cornell’s impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Part-Time Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance program.
• We invite you to follow this link to get more information about current benefit options: https://hr.cornell.edu/summaries-benefits.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit a CV; cover letter or letter of interest that incorporates a personal statement; two-page research statement; 1-2 page, statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and contact information for 3 references via Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/19162.  Applications are reviewed and awardees are selected by a committee comprised of one member from each of the Lab’s six programmatic centers. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the background materials and FAQs available at www.birds.cornell.edu/postdoc. Two to five Rose Postdoc awards are made in each annual cycle, representing different areas of scholarship and outreach. Review of applications will begin immediately, applications must be submitted by October 4, 2021. If you have questions about this position, please email Denise Smith Colon at ads266@cornell.edu.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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