Career Center

Postdoctoral Associate - Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

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.

Postdoctoral Associate for Plant -Herbivore Interactions and Weed Biocontrol

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment,

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

STARTING DATE: 1 May 2023, or as soon as possible

LOCATION: Blossey lab group, Department of Natural Resources and

the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

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.

BACKGROUND:

When introduced plant species become invasive and the development of biological weed control is often the only long-term solution for their sustainable management. For several decades, the Blossey lab at Cornell University has developed biocontrol programs targeting invasive plants of conservation concern as well as novel ways to assess safety and direct and indirect outcomes of insects post release. We are now expanding our team to further enhance biocontrol programs targeting invasive Phragmites, Japanese knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.) and water chestnut (Trapa natans). These different programs are in various stages of development and the work program may involve foreign exploration, host specificity testing in the field and in quarantine, as well as development of long-term assessment procedures, and demographic analyses of herbivore impacts. Managing invasive species using biocontrol for conservation will require buy-in and acceptance by different stakeholders. Therefore, a portion of the work we envision will involve development of quantitative social science experiments to probe attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and policy preferences. We are looking for a postdoctoral associate to join our team to enhance our capabilities, by developing new experimental approaches and assisting in analyses of existing long-term datasets.

This will be a 1-year term appointment, renewable for up to 3 years based on funding and performance and is based out of Ithaca, NY. Field work will be conducted in New York, the Northeast, Canada, and Asia. Time away from Ithaca could vary between 1-2 months.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for a broadly trained individual with strong quantitative skills who is interested in plant-herbivore interactions, different trophic levels, and people. The successful candidate will lead (the Phragmites program) and join graduate students (the Japanese knotweed and water chestnut programs) in a mix of field and quarantine work, analyses of existing long-term datasets, and development of social science projects. The position requires active engagement with graduate students, supervising undergraduate students, management agencies and international collaborators. We expect excellent writing skills addressing both scientific and professional audiences, and interest in applying research results to conservation, management practices, teaching, and extension.

• Ph.D., in entomology, ecology, or biological control, including training in and experience of methods the position requires
• Demonstrated capacity for independent, critical thinking, intellectual leadership and ability to publish research in peer reviewed publications
• Evidence of ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Ability to travel internationally with valid passport.

CALS hiring salary range for this title is $45,700 - $55,341.

To apply:

Inquiries about position specifics can be directed to Dr. Bernd Blossey (bb22@cornell.edu). Review of applications will begin 15 April 2023.

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.