Research Associate in Social Science - Lab of Ornithology

Research Associate in Social Science - Lab of Ornithology

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.

   

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Research Associate in Social Science

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Ithaca NY


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.


About Us:


The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Staff at the Lab publish research, teach courses, advise students and postdocs, collect and disseminate world-famous digital resources on biodiversity, and engage with partner organizations and citizens around the world to conduct scientific research and facilitate conservation actions.


The Cornell Lab is an inclusive community and we recognize that a diverse workforce creates more innovative and impactful work to address global challenges. We are committed to fostering a healthy workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds as well as supporting growth and advancement opportunities. The Lab welcomes staff who are still learning in their careers and who are motivated to take on new challenges.


What we Need


The Center for Engagement in Science and Nature is one of the major programmatic units at the Lab and engages people through educational (e.g., Bird Academy) and citizen science (e.g., Project FeederWatch, NestWatch) programming. The Center supports the Cornell Lab’s mission “to interpret and conserve the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds.” Our approach to public engagement in science is focused on gathering biological information at large spatial scales while creating dynamic educational content and web applications through which the public can better understand the natural world. The Cornell Lab is widely viewed as a global leader in the field of public engagement, and in particular, citizen science, managing exemplary projects while pursuing methodological innovation for moving the field forward. This position requires the ability to successfully collaborate with staff from across Lab Centers to continue to advance our public engagement goals.


We are seeking a research associate trained in the social sciences to support research on how people interact with birds, nature, and science as part of the Lab’s large and global participant engagement efforts that include millions of people per year. Working in collaboration with the leadership of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature, this researcher will:

  • Conduct original research involving identification of research questions, hypotheses, theoretical perspectives, and experimental protocols. 
  • Design and implement mixed methodological studies (using both quantitative and qualitative approaches) focused on learning in formal and informal settings, engagement in citizen science, and behavior change in a conservation context.
  • Collect, interpret, synthesize, and analyze data, including datasets related to participant learning, contributions, and actions. 
  • Lead and collaborate on research publications and internal reports. Present findings to the public, Lab staff, funders and supporters, and at appropriate professional conferences. 
  • Scope external funding opportunities and develop grant proposals focused on the Lab’s public engagement programs. 
  • Manage grant-related budgetary responsibilities and ensure ethical standards in research.
  • Mentor staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on research techniques.
  • Serve as a thought leader to communicate with external collaborators and public audiences about the findings resulting from the research.
  • Enhance the Lab’s exposure and capabilities in social science research while establishing and nurturing valued partnerships.

Term of position:

This is a full-time, 3-year appointment, pending renewable funding, available work, and successful performance.


Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in education, human dimensions, psychology, evaluation, or related social science field with at least 3 years of experience conducting social science research or evaluation. 
  • Must have a solid understanding of social science theory, research methodology and evaluation. Strong quantitative analytical skills and experience analyzing large datasets using R (preferred) or a similar statistical package, and a willingness to transition to R.
  • Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
  • Understanding of and experience with Institutional Review Board requirements for conducting research involving human subjects.
  • Proven record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, including as lead author. Prior experience with preparing grant proposals, publications, and final reports.
  • Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to relevant professional conferences nationally and internationally as necessary.
  • Experience mentoring and advising undergraduate students (preferred).


Preferred Qualifications:


Fluency in Spanish is helpful.


Salary and Benefits:

$72,500 per year with Cornell University’s generous benefit package.


Cornell provides great benefits that include professional development, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, broad range of comprehensive health care options, and generous paid leave provisions:  3 weeks of vacation, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break), paid family leave, and superior retirement contributions.


Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application outlining qualifications and interest in the position, CV, one example publication and appendix code, and contact information for two references and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion via Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22201 Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.  If you have questions about this position, please email Tina Phillips at cbp6@cornell.edu.


Employment Assistance:

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 Workforce Policy and Labor Relations at voice (607) 255-6866, fax (607) 255-0298, or email at equalopportunity@cornell.edu.

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:

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:

University 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. 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.


College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.



  


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 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:

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, 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.

2022-08-03-07:00

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.