Research Associate

Overview 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, with three core beliefs guiding our work: understanding complex interlocking systems, ensuring access to nutritious food and a healthy environment, and supporting a prosperous global future through local action. Position Function The Research Associate will develop a suite of statistical downscaling tests focusing on the representation of meteorological variables and derived quantities, including extremes and diagnostic measures of interest to DoD stakeholders (e.g., metrics related to human health, energy use, infrastructure). The role includes leading the implementation of tests for multiple statistical downscaled data products, gridded observation-based data sets, and station data. The position will lead the development of a battery of tests and metrics to assess which downscaling methods provide robust, reliable information to discriminate among them for proposed demonstration installations. The Research Associate will co-lead project meetings, present at project meetings, annual symposia and other conferences, publish results in peer‑reviewed journals, and contribute materials to fit-for-purpose guidance and decision support tools. While responsibilities vary, every member of the CALS community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration. Anticipated Division of Time Data analysis (60%): Collection and analysis of complex data; may research, tabulate, graph and map complex data. Conduct statistical analyses Analyze and interpret quantitative data Develop a suite of statistical downscaling tests focusing on the representation of meteorological variables and derived quantities at select sites Develop fit-for-purpose guidance for select sites Participate in decision support tool design, utilization and research/data analysis, and suggest improvements in decision support tool Communication (10%): Lead interfacing with project partners and the sponsor on interpretation of results Coordinate with project partners on data curation for shared database Reporting (20%): Develop manuscripts reporting research results in peer‑reviewed literature Formulate project reports for sponsors Present work on project calls, at annual program meetings, and at conferences and workshops Co-lead the development of research directions within the project and follow-on research plans Other position-related responsibilities (10%): Participate in projects or other duties as assigned with occasional work responsibility above or below current classification Complete any university-required compliance trainings Requirements PhD in physics, atmospheric science, or related field 2+ years of relevant experience with large gridded climatological datasets Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Proficiency in Python or other data analysis software Ability to navigate HPC environments Familiarity with federal and regional climate data sources, especially downscaled climate data sets Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to pursue research independently and as part of a team Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members Supervision Exercised While student supervision is not formally part of the project and job description, the successful candidate is encouraged to work with other group members on related or different research and provide mentorship and guidance when collaborating. No formal supervisory requirements. To apply 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 for this position is $76,500. Any questions for this position should be directed to Flavio Lehner (View email address on click.appcast.io). 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. 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 Employment Assistance For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io, or email View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. 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