Job Description

Research Associate

Academic Job Description

Department of Entomology

Research 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 position requires an experienced scientist to lead funded research on biological control of the invasive vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila or SWD) in the Department of Entomology at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. The research will focus on 2 species of exotic larval parasitoids, one being released through an approved classical biological control effort and one that is adventive, having made its way to NY and other areas in North America on its own in the last five years. The successful candidate will be required to investigate factors associated with establishment success of the classical biocontrol agent being released, behavioral and ecological interactions of the two species of larval parasitoids, and the impact of these biocontrol agents on SWD populations.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research Responsibilities (65%)

• Review pertinent literature in process of developing specific research objectives and experiments
• Plan, design, and execute experiments in the lab, greenhouse and field.
• Develop ideas, hypotheses and experimental approaches to understanding species interactions among larval parasitoids and implications for biological control.
• Develop ideas, hypotheses, and experimental approaches to assess factors that influence establishment of classical biocontrol agents.
• Develop ideas, hypotheses, and experimental approaches to assess impact of parasitoids on spotted-wing drosophila
• Optimize rearing methods for rearing parasitoids in the lab.
• Maintain communication with grower collaborators on execution of on farm research
• Attend and lead meetings with students, postdocs, technicians, and collaborators in planning and executing research objectives
• Keep accessible and permanent records of research protocols and methods

Data Collection/Analysis Responsibilities (10%)

• Collect and manage data related to project objectives
• Archive data to insure long term permanence
• Summarize data from research, including proper, inference-based statistical analyses using R or other statistical packages.

Responsibilities for Manuscripts and Reports (10%)

• Take lead in preparing scientific manuscripts on research results for submission to discipline peer-reviewed journals.
• Take lead in preparing figures, tables and illustrations used in scientific manuscripts.
• Responsible for preparing quarterly and annual reports for funding agencies

Extension Responsibilities (5%)

• Prepare and deliver extension presentations (in person and online) to stakeholder groups to communicate results and implications of research from project on biocontrol of SWD
• Write newsletter articles and stakeholder-oriented research summaries related to project on biocontrol of SWD for stakeholder audiences.

Supervision of Technicians and Temp Labor Responsibilities (5%)

• Assist PI and lab manager in screening and hiring temporary employees in support of project objectives
• Provide occasional mentorship of temporary employees and research technicians on matters related to project objectives.
• Provide feedback to PI on performance of technicians as part of their annual performance reviews.

Personal and Professional Development Responsibilities (5%)

• Seek out and attend educational seminars and training meetings as required by supervisor
• Maintain required position qualifications to fulfill position.
• Provide professional service, such as reviewing manuscripts, as long as does not interfere with other position responsibilities.

Requirements

• PhD in Entomology or related discipline and 2 years of additional postdoctoral experience in entomology or related disciplines
• Experience designing and conducting experiments in the lab, greenhouse and field with hymenopteran parasitoids
• Expertise investigating parasitoid - host interactions
• Ability to distinguish species of Figitid parasitoids relevant to this project ( Ganaspis kimorum and Leptopilina japonica ) using morphology
• Experience developing and executing behavioral bioassays for small arthropods; experience with ethovision technology desirable
• Experience in rearing insects, especially experience rearing larval parasitoids
• Expertise in statistical analyses of complex, multifactorial experiments using R
• Experience preparing all aspects of scientific manuscripts including writing, graphics, and submission to scientific journals
• Experience communicating scientific findings to agricultural stakeholders in writing (e.g. newsletter articles) and oral presentations.
• Experience conducting research on commercial farms, working with stakeholders. Driving is required.

Supervision Exercised

Will be responsible for providing supervision of temp labor (during field season) and technician responsible for rearing parasitoids related to conducting field and lab experiments with parasitoid wasps.

To apply:

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

CALS hiring range for this title is University minimum of $60,000 to $67,000.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. 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.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

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:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

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