Cornell Lab Rose Postdoctoral Associate 3-year Fellowship

Postdoctoral Associate

Rusty Rose Postdoctoral Program Awardee

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

The overarching 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 postdoctoral associates that fosters personal growth and career advancement.

Rose Postdoctoral Associates are competitive fellowship awards that support innovative, independent research by early career scholars of exceptional promise. Rose Postdoctoral Associates pursue 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 and nature" is potentially appropriate. Activities involving research and/or outreach spanning several Lab programs are particularly encouraged, and some postdoctoral associates 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.

Rose Postdoctoral Associates are selected annually via a competitive process, with applications due on September 9th. The application includes a CV, cover letter, research statement, and a statement supporting diverse communities. Applications are reviewed and awardees are selected by a committee comprised of one member from each of the Lab's six programmatic centers. Two to five Rose Postdoctoral awards are made in each cycle, representing different areas of scholarship and outreach. Rose Postdoctoral Associates join the larger Rose Postdoctoral Program at the Lab of Ornithology that is inclusive of all postdoctoral associates at the Lab of Ornithology.

The Cornell Lab is committed to fostering a healthy workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds as well as supporting growth and advancement opportunities. The Lab welcomes staff who are still learning in their careers and who are motivated to take on new challenges.

This is a full-time appointment for one year, with renewal annually for an additional two years, contingent on work, successful performance and funding.

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 Postdoctoral Associate can often be arranged.

Anticipated Division of Time

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 grants 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%)

Requirements

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

No formal supervision required. Opportunities existing for optional mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate student research projects.

To apply: 

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27872.

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

The application deadline is September 9th, 2024. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the additional information available at https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/rose-postdoctoral-fellowship-annual-competition/