Postdoctoral Associate

Cornell University, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment
Position ID:
Cornell-Department of Natural Resources and the Environment-ESALI [#31747, WDR-00057430]
Position Title: 
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America [map ]
Subject Areas: 
Biology / Ecology , Natural Resources
Natural Resources / ecology
Environmental / Environment , Environmental , Humanities , Natural Resources , Sustainability
Ecology / Conservation Biology , Ecology , Political Ecology
Sustainability / Sustainability
Appl Deadline:
2026/04/06 04:59 AM UnitedKingdomTime (posted 2026/03/02 05:00 AM UnitedKingdomTime)
Position Description:
  Apply    
Position Description
The Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
Natural Resources and Environment

Postdoctoral Associate
Building Systems - Thinking into the Environment & Sustainability Curriculum

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.

Natural Resources and the Environment is a section within the new Ashley School of the Environment and Global Development. This section is multidisciplinary with emphases in applied ecology, human dimensions of natural resource management, policy/governance and environmental justice. NRE is a major contributor of teaching and advising to the cross-college Environment & Sustainability major core curriculum.

Position Function
The section of Natural Resources and the Environment, within the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to lead the development, implementation, and assessment of active learning pedagogy that strengthens ‘systems-thinking’ throughout the cross-college Environment & Sustainability (E&S) major. This is a full-time position, based at the Ithaca campus. We expect the Postdoctoral Associate to be in residence in Ithaca. Initial appointment is for one year, with potential for renewal for a second year, contingent upon performance, available work and funding.

The Postdoctoral Associate will collaborate with instructors of Environment and Sustainability (E&S) core courses to: develop and integrate active-learning strategies that strengthen systems-thinking competencies; design formative and summative assessments of systems-thinking skills at the course and program levels; support scaffolding systems-thinking pedagogy across the E&S curriculum.

The position is supported by Cornell’s Active Learning Initiative (ALI). The Postdoctoral Associate will participate in ALI programming, including weekly fellows’ meetings and program evaluations such as surveys and classroom observations. Opportunities for co-teaching are available, though the Postdoctoral Associate will not be required to serve as an instructor of record. 

Anticipated Division of Time

• Course module and assessment development and implementation: 50%
• Literature review: 15%
• Workshop development: 15%
• Data analysis and writing: 20%

Requirements

• PhD in natural resources, environmental sciences, environmental policy, ecology, sustainability science or a related field.
• Demonstrated capability and interest in teaching and pedagogy, particularly active-learning approaches and pedagogy assessment design.
• Experience or interest in pedagogy research is also desirable.
• Background or interest in complex systems theory and applications, particularly in interdisciplinary social-ecological contexts, is strongly preferred.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in undergraduate education.
• Interest in innovative and engaged learning approaches to sustainability education.

Supervision Exercised
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but will have the opportunity to interact with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online ( https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31747 ">https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31747 ). 

Candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter that outlines relevant coursework, training and/or experience with social-ecological systems or complex systems topics, teaching and course development experience, relevant research interests and the names of at least three references.

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

CALS hiring range for this title is $65,000.

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 .

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions 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. 

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:

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 (VEVRRA) 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.

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.

Application Materials Required:
Further Info:
http://dnr.cals.cornell.edu/
 
111 Fernow Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853