Postdoctoral Associate Food Science

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

The Dillon Lab explores the role of animal-source foods in sustainable food systems. We work to elucidate how system structure mediates sustainability outcomes from management change or policy implementation. Our applied work consists of modeling and field-based collaborations with transdisciplinary teams to quantify synergies and tradeoffs between environmental impacts, ecosystem services, and the social and economic dimensions of food systems.

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Associate with expertise in livestock systems, quantitative modeling, and environmental impacts. This position will support ongoing modeling efforts to evaluate the impact of public food purchasing policy and changes in farm management on the environmental impact of livestock systems. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team. They will contribute to a spatialized, dynamic life cycle assessment of ruminant production systems in the Northeast U.S. using integrated assessment models. The candidate will also contribute to the completion of a beef life cycle assessment for the City Food Policy Project and improving animal growth and performance predictions for grazing livestock by mechanistic nutrition models.

Interested applicants can reach out to Dr. Jasmine Dillon at jasmine.dillon@cornell.edu with any questions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct spatially explicit environmental impact assessments of livestock production at regional, national, and international scales.
• Contribute to life cycle assessments of animal-source foods produced in New York State and the broader Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.
• Support evaluation of social, environmental, and economic tradeoffs associated with livestock production under varying policy and market scenarios.

• Support comparative evaluation of livestock nutrition and performance models for grazing beef and dairy systems.
• Integrate biophysical and environmental models into broader food systems modeling frameworks.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Research – 90% 
• Mentoring – 10% 

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Animal Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or other relevant field.
• Demonstrated proficiency with quantitative systems modeling (e.g., mechanistic, process-based, dynamic, and/or life cycle approaches).
• Expertise in management of livestock production systems and the associated environmental impacts (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to air and water quality).
• Interest in spatially explicit environmental impact assessments at regional and local scales.
• Proficiency in R, Python, or other relevant programming languages.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Drivers License and be cleared to drive for university business with the ability to register with Agile/Fleet Commander.

Preferred Qualifications

• Competence with life cycle assessment methods and software, including uncertainty methods, spatialized approaches, and integration with dynamic modeling frameworks.
• Experience applying or developing mechanistic animal models, and/or whole farm models with explicit modeling of soil processes and plant growth.
• Familiarity with system dynamics and agent-based modeling approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical findings to both scientific and applied audiences.
• Proven success mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.
• Record of collaboration in multidisciplinary research teams, especially using participatory modeling approaches.
• Prior postdoctoral research experience.
• Willingness to support administrative functions associated with project management including coordination, reporting, and data management.

Supervision Exercised

The successful applicant may provide oversight/mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32217.

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. 

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

CALS hiring rate is $63,480 - $66,000.

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.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

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
• Unique applicable skills.

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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@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.

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.