Senior Research Associate

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.

Academic Job Description

Cornell CALS AgriTech, Hudson Valley Research Lab

Senior Research Associate

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 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University's second largest population of students, faculty and staff. 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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.

Cornell's Hudson Valley Laboratory supports fruit, vegetable, and emerging crops production throughout the Hudson Valley region of New York. The Hudson Valley Lab is a partnership between the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and a farmers' alliance (Farmer's Alliance for Research Management, FARM). The Hudson Valley Lab facility is situated on 20+ acres of experimental orchard and vineyard space in the heart of the Valley's fruit production zone. It is an integral part of Cornell AgriTech. Cornell AgriTech scientists, students and staff are reimagining the future of food and agriculture systems through innovative research, technology, and education in order to improve the health of the people, environment and economy of New York State and beyond. AgriTech works across disciplines to explore questions from all sides and translate our discoveries into practical solutions that help growers and businesses thrive.

Position Function

The Hudson Valley Laboratory is undergoing transformation as Cornell continues its commitment to ensure that agriculture remains vibrant in the Hudson Valley. We therefore seek a researcher interested in working directly with producers to solve emergent challenges. The focus will be on pathology, entomology, horticulture and allied lines of inquiry related to climate change, digital agriculture, regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.

The successful candidate will be expected to serve as a thought leader in their area of expertise and be able to work broadly as part of team on topics that contribute to the mission. These activities should support fruit, vegetable or grain crop production on Hudson Valley farms and should complement research and extension conducted by other investigators at Cornell CALS. You will work with a range of stakeholders and partners including the farming community, foundations, Cornell CALS and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) leadership, and Hudson Valley Laboratory-based faculty and staff to lead the development and implementation of an externally funded research program. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical expectations for a successful candidate. You will report to the CHVL Director. A joint appointment in an academic unit related to candidate's background may also be determined at a later time. You are expected to develop an externally funded research program to directly support local farmer needs.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research 85% - Lead, develop and implement an externally funded line of research related to your area of expertise; work closely with Lab Director and partner faculty to plan research and coordinate experiment station resources; publish research

Extension 10% - Provide extension resources and support to growers and extension partners on regional teams and at county offices; disseminate research findings and communicate practices and recommendations; participate in extension events such as meetings, publications, and Program Work Teams (PWTs)

Professional Development & Supporting Culture of Belonging 5% - Work with Lab Director and assigned academic unit to create professional development plan, performance dialogs and efforts to ensure a culture of belonging by participation in DEIJ

Requirements

We are looking for talented individuals with excellent research credentials and a strong desire to work directly with producers to solve current challenges faced by Hudson Valley farmers. Additionally, we need people with the following:

• A Ph.D. in Horticulture, Crop Science, Precision Agriculture, Biology or related field with a particular focus on Entomology, Pathology, Horticulture, Climate Smart Farming, or Digital Agriculture in commercial fruit and vegetable production
• Successful ability to fund research through grants
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to build relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Desire to apply your research skills to meet needs of local farmers and to publish results of research in peer-reviewed publications
• Strong interpersonal skills to act as a team leader/player
• Background and interest in conducting research across disciplines and from a systems perspective
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Prior experience with crop production and management
• Experience with agricultural extension
• Certified Crop Advisor
• Pesticide Applicator License

Supervision Exercised

You may supervise Lab Technicians or Field Assistants as part of your research program.

To apply:

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

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.