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Postdoctoral Associate - Seed Biology and Technology Program

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 position will support research on seed-applied, non-neonicotinoid protection strategies targeting early-season crop pests including Delia spp. in New York cropping systems. The postdoctoral associate will design and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, controlled-environment, and field experiments evaluating seed coating integrity, delivery characteristics of plant defense signaling compounds, and interactions with seed pathogens and early-season pest pressure under cold soil conditions. Research activities will support both controlled-environment evaluation and field validation of biologically based seed protection strategies relevant to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems.

The individual will work at the intersection of seed biology, seed technology, and integrated pest management (IPM), contributing to development of seed treatment compatibility guidelines and biologically based pest management approaches aligned with New York State IPM priorities and the phase-out of neonicotinoid seed treatments.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Experimental design, implementation, and data collection across laboratory, greenhouse, controlled-environment, and field research systems - 50%
• Seed coating formulation, treatment evaluation, and analytical measurements (e.g., release kinetics, seed vigor) - 20%
• Data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript/report preparation - 15%
• Coordination of research activities and mentoring of undergraduate assistants - 10%
• Participation in stakeholder engagement, extension activities, and project reporting - 5%

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with seed coating systems or delivery of biologically active compounds
• Familiarity with greenhouse and controlled-environment experimentation
• Experience working in applied agricultural systems or IPM-focused research
• Experience with analytical or quantitative techniques (e.g., GC-MS, chromatography, or related analytical methods)
• Background in early-season pest management, seed pathology, or soilborne pathogen systems.

Additional Preferred Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex, multi-factor experiments and integrate data across physiological, chemical, and biological systems
• Experience working with or willingness to develop skills in analytical techniques such as GC-MS or related methods for quantifying seed-applied compounds
• Experience with statistical modeling, experimental design, and multivariate analysis of biological datasets using R, Python, SAS, or related platforms
• Ability to integrate laboratory, greenhouse, and environmental datasets to support predictive analyses and IPM-focused decision making
• Interest in translating fundamental seed and plant defense biology into applied, field-relevant IPM solutions
• Comfort working at the interface of seed physiology, pest biology, and applied seed technology

Driving requirement: Yes,

Supervision Exercised

The postdoctoral associate will provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship to undergraduate research assistants and may assist in training students involved in laboratory and greenhouse research activities.

To apply:

• Qualified candidates should submit:
• A short cover letter detailing research experience and alignment with this position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed as received and will continue until the position is filled.

CALS hiring rate for this position is $63,480.

College of Agriculture and Life SciencesLife. Changing.

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.

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

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

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.