Postdoc Associate- Communication

Postdoctoral Associate

Community Engaged Research

Department of Communication

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Position Summary:

The Postdoctoral Associate will support a new research-practice partnership between the Department of Communication at Cornell University and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Network in the state of New York. Cornell Cooperative Extension's mission is to put knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability, and social well-being in every county in New York--to help New York state families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

At this unprecedented moment in our history, this is a time for us to ask what a robust extension system would look like to best serve and support the diverse populations that are distributed throughout New York state, and how that system should operate in short, medium, and long-term time horizons. To this end, the Postdoctoral Associate will work with Dr. Neil Lewis, Jr. and a diverse team of students, staff, faculty, and community partners to study dynamics between stakeholders (e.g., residents, research staff, researcher investigators, community organizations, and research institutions) in research-practice ecosystems. The postdoc will also study how social structures, technologies, and the affordances associated with them affect these dynamics, and their implications for Cornell Cooperative Extension (and nationwide research extension systems like it) to be able to facilitate productive, mutually beneficial collaborations between researchers, practitioners, and the broader public. The goal of all of these efforts is to move the Extension system forward to better serve New Yorkers and help them thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This is a complex, long-term research project in which the Postdoctoral Associate will work with Dr. Lewis and the Cornell Cooperative Extension system to lead a specific component of the project studying the system's practices (and ways to improve them) and assist in other aspects. The Postdoctoral Associate will also provide mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students in areas of data collection and analysis. The Postdoctoral Associate is expected to perform the following duties (all in collaboration with team leadership and members):

• Design study instruments and protocol (15%)
• Collect data (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups) on stakeholders that participate in community engage research (25%)
• Analyze social and behavioral science data (25%)
• Communicate research methodology and results orally and in written format for scientific presentations and publications, as well as to non-scientific audiences (25%)
• Mentor other team members in analysis (5%)
• Assist in other projects when needed (5%)

In addition, the Postdoctoral Associate will be encouraged to develop a personal research program related to the community engaged research projects, publish research results in peer-reviewed publications, as well as take advantage of the multitude of internal and external mentoring opportunities Cornell affords to early career researchers.

This is a full-time, 12-month academic position. Reappointment for a second year (or even third year) is possible contingent on successful performance, funding, and available work. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2021.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in a social scientific discipline (e.g., Anthropology, Communication, Information Science, Organizational Behavior, Psychology, Sociology)
• Working knowledge of relevant theories and practices in community-based research
• Strong background in mixed-methods (e.g., qualitative and quantitative) research
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research
• Record of communicating research results via peer-reviewed publications and presentations
• Experience communicating about research with non-academic audiences
• Willingness to mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

Application: All Components of the application must be submitted through this application portal: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/17034

Interested applicants should submit: (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a letter of interest, including a brief description of how this position relates to their career plans, (3) statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and (4) the names and contact information of three references to [LINK]. We will begin reviewing applications on October 30, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.

Employment Assistance:

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 University's Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email at owdi@cornell.edu.

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting.

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:

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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.