Postdoctoral Associate

Cornell University, CALS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Position ID:
Cornell-CALS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology-POSTDOCAGRAWAL [#31867, WDR-00057721]
Position Title: 
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America [map ]
Subject Area: 
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Appl Deadline:
2026/05/02 04:59 AM UnitedKingdomTime (posted 2026/03/25 04:00 AM UnitedKingdomTime, listed until 2026/06/02 04:59 AM UnitedKingdomTime)
Position Description:
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Position Description
Academic Job Description
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Postdoctoral Associate 

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 grant-supported Postdoctoral Associate position involves primary research and related professional activities. The successful candidate will conduct comparative and experimental studies on transcriptomic responses to insect diet and toxins, utilizing the milkweed-insect community as a model for hypothesis testing in molecular evolution. The individual will use methods such as RNA-seq to identify genes and regulatory sequences that drive plant toxin detoxification, transport, and resistance, and potentially assess candidate functions using CRISPR and transgenic approaches.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research (55%): The Postdoctoral Associate will play a leading role in conducting experimental, computational, and comparative work to understand how changes in gene expression underlie insect diet specialization and sequestration. They will be expected to come to the position having experience in both computational and bench approaches, including bioinformatics and RNA-seq. The individual will work independently, but will also contribute to intellectual interactions within the lab, and potentially with collaborators.

Writing and Publications (30%): The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to write and publish research articles in scientific journals and present their work at professional conferences.

Mentoring (10%): Train graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory protocols and computational methods

Personal and professional development (5%): Seek out and attend educational seminars and training workshops relevant to the research, show leadership in lab meetings and activities, maintain all required educational and position qualifications to fulfill job requirements. 

This position formally begins as a one-year appointment and is renewable contingent upon funding, available work and successful performance.

Requirements

The applicant must have a PhD or equivalent in the biological sciences and experience in molecular genetic techniques, including high throughput sequencing and data analysis. Strong research background with comparative evolutionary questions, insect herbivores, and natural history is desired.

Supervision Exercised

May supervise undergraduate researchers.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31867 ) .

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. The cover letter should directly address the position requirements as well as the candidate’s experience related to the desired research background.

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

CALS hiring rate for this position is $62,232.

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://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/
 
CALS Surge Facility
525 Tower Road
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853