Postdoctoral Associate – Soil and Crop Sciences Section, School of Integrative Plant Science

Academic Job Description

Soil and Crop Sciences Section, School of Integrative Plant Science

Postdoctoral Associate in Agrivoltaic Crop Production

DiTommaso lab Cornell University

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.

 Incoming postdocs will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary community on the main campus located in Ithaca, NY. The Section of Soil and Crop Sciences (http://scs.cals.cornell.edu/ ) is part of Cornell’s School of Integrative Plant Science (http://sips.cals.cornell.edu/ ) at College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (https://cals.cornell.edu ).

Position Function

Seeking an outstanding individual to assist with research and project management on a project assessing the viability of crop production within solar arrays in New York State. The position is housed in the Section of Soil and Crop Sciences within the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) at Cornell University. Our research aims to inform the development of co-located crop and solar energy production in New York through assessment of crop viability, production and yield trade-offs, and market access for a wide range of crops from forage to field crops to vegetables and small fruit. The incumbent will collaborate with a project manager, several professors providing expertise for various commodity areas, field technicians, summer student assistants, and a postdoc focused on agroecology in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. The incumbent will be involved in research, project and field work coordination, data collection/management/analysis, article and report writing, and support of teaching and extension activities (providing lectures as desired at Cornell courses on agrivoltaics and assist with classes).

This project will assess crops for forage, field crop, vegetable, and small fruit production within solar arrays across New York State. Due to the broad nature of this study, the work is supported by several professors. Antonio DiTommaso  is a weed ecologist with a strong background in cropping systems science and sustainable agriculture research and is the coordinating PI of this project. Steve Grodsky  is coordinating the agroecological side of the project, assessing insect diversity and function and other ecological factors. Steve Reiners  is providing expertise for vegetable production, Marvin Pritts  for small fruit production, Louis Longchamps  for field crops and digital agriculture, and Max Zhang  for microclimate modeling.

Position is initially a 1-year, full-time appointment, with the option and expectation for extension contingent on funding, available work, and successful performance. The position is anticipated to start immediately or will remain open until filled. Salary is competitive and commensurate with background and experience. Benefits package is included.

 Anticipated Division of Time

Project management and coordination

30%

Field work and data collection

30%

Statistical analyses, writing, and publishing scientific articles

30%

Teaching and extension activities

5%

Mentoring graduate students and other team members

5%

Requirements

Successful candidates must have a PhD degree in Agroecology, Agronomy, Weed Science, Soil Science, or related discipline. Strong analytical and scientific writing skills are required. Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse, interdisciplinary team are essential. Experience with fieldwork in cropping systems and interest or experience in agricultural production, climate change adaptation and mitigation, or weed science are also required. The position will require periodic travel to field sites across New York State; willingness to travel overnight for field data collection is a requirement. Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Drivers License and be cleared to drive for university business.

Supervision Exercised

The post-doctoral candidate will assist with direction of field technicians and one to two graduate students and will supervise one to four summer undergraduate student employees.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27353 .

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, 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. 

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

CALS hiring range for this title is $56,484 with a competitive benefits package.

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.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Pay Range:

$56,484.00 – $80,000.00

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.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university’s COVID-19 services and information .

Employment Assistance:

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

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 Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected] .

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected] .

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-03-18