Career Center

Postdoctoral Associate - Johannes Lehmann Lab

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 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.

The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. Combined there are 100+ faculty, ~200 undergraduate majors, 200+ graduate students in six fields, and 600+ other employees located in Ithaca, Geneva, and other satellite locations across New York State. The School offers the multidisciplinary undergraduate major in the Plant Sciences and is also home to the Agricultural Sciences major. School faculty also contribute to the Biology, Global Development, and Viticulture & Enology majors.

Position Function:

The interdisciplinary group on pyrolysis bio-energy, circular bionutrient economy, and biochar at Cornell University is searching for an outstanding individual who will lead research support, development and outreach at the Leland Pyrolysis facility. The position is located at the Section of Soil and Crop Sciences within the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) at Cornell University. The incumbent will support research and development of pyrolysis and biochar, may conduct active research in collaboration with faculty across the colleges, and will be responsible for some outreach activities. Research will include, but is not limited to, understanding mass and energy balances of pyrolysis bioenergy, biochar properties, system performance, and greenhouse gas emissions to provide information about opportunities to mitigate climate change, improve food security and reduce environmental pollution. Work will include gas, liquid and solid analyses using standard as well as advanced analytical equipment, programming, running a modern pyrolysis plant and ensuring its regulatory compliance including relevant reporting. Work also includes nutrient recycling from liquid waste streams using biochar retention systems.

Position is initially a one year-renewable for second year contingent upon performance, funding and available work. The position is anticipated to start immediately or will remain open until filled.

Anticipated Division of Time:

• Design, build and operate experimental setups for data collection related to carbon and nutrient cycling from waste streams. (50%)
• Data Analysis and authoring of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. (20%)
• Outreach and Scaling: work with partner farm to implement pilot-scale nutrient recover system on-site. (20%)
• Operation of pilot-scale kiln to produce biochar for various academic research projects. (10%)

Requirements:

Successful candidates must possess a PhD degree in engineering, biogeochemistry, or related discipline, and practical skills in operating advanced equipment. Interest and experience in addressing environmental issues, climate change mitigation, food security, waste management and research bridging natural sciences and engineering are required. Skills in systems modeling, data analysis in R, grant and publication writing, are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to conduct an outreach program are needed.

Supervision Exercised:

Assist and mentor graduate students. Provide guidance and input on experimental designs, analytic methods, etc.

To apply:

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

CALS hiring range for this title is $56,484

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Life. Changing.

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.

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.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

• Unique applicable skills.

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.