Postdoctoral Associate in Soil Microbiome Science- Soil Carbon Dynamics
Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. 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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
Position Function
This advertisement seeks to fill an open postdoctoral position in the Buckley Laboratory investigating the microbial ecology and genomics of soil in the Soil and Crop Sciences Section at Cornell University starting in Summer 2025. The lab investigates soil microbiome diversity and function as it relates to soil carbon and nutrient cycling, soil health, and rhizosphere ecology in both natural and agricultural systems.
The position will be expected to perform research, under the supervision of Dr. Daniel H. Buckley, focused on plant-soil-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere that regulate soil carbon dynamics and contribute to plant nutrition. Research will include field experiments as well as greenhouse experiments conducted with synthetic microbial communities (SynComs). This research requires a Ph.D. level scientist with skills in microbial ecology and microbiome data science.
Responsibilities will include laboratory bench work, establishment and maintenance of experiments in field and greenhouse settings, data analysis, computer and server management consistent with the needs of data analysis, and writing and editing of scientific papers. Responsibilities will also include training and supervising graduate and undergraduate students when necessary, as well as lab administration in support of these research efforts including assisting with grant writing to secure additional funds as needed. The researcher will have opportunities to present at national and international conferences, attend workshops and seminars, participate in collaborative projects and enhance their teaching credentials through occasional guest lectures. More information about the Buckley Lab research program can be found at blogs.cornell.edu/buckley.
Anticipated Division of Time
40%: Laboratory/field/greenhouse activities in support of research
30%: Bioinformatic/computational data analysis & synthesis
20%: Manuscript preparation
10%: Mentoring and professional development
Requirements
PhD in Microbiology or related field
Required skills
Substantial experience with microbiome data analyses
Ability to write code in R and Python
Proficiency in bioinformatic/computational/statistical analysis of multivariate data integrating microbial community metrics with continuous and categorical data
Ability to design and implement complex experiments with microbes, soils, and plants
Ability to perform high-quality research as part of a collaborative team
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Supervision Exercised
The position will supervise both graduate and undergraduate students in research.
To apply
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29437).
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.
The position is available starting June 1, 2025 and will remain open until filled.
Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.
CALS hiring rate for this title is $61,008.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.
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 strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.
University Job Title:
Post Dr Assoc
Job Family:
Post Doc Other
Level:
No Grade - Annual
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$61,008.00 - $87,000.00
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Endowed
Contact Name:
Denise Smith
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
Current Employees:
If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.
Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
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 equity@cornell.edu.
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 mycareer@cornell.edu.
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.
2024-12-09
