Post Dr Assoc

Cornell University; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to study perceptions, preferences and adoption by US farmers of a novel biotech product. The role involves designing and conducting statewide surveys (NY/CA) using behavioral economics, plus a nationwide study on organic farming engagement in participatory breeding.

The position is in-person near Ithaca, NY, with relocation within commuting distance expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Behavioral Economics, Agricultural Economics or similar field.
• Experience with primary data such as national agricultural datasets and/or census data.
• Experience designing, implementing and analyzing surveys with farmers.
• Experience in quantitative econometric research design and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop state-wide NY and CA farmer surveys using behavioral methods and field data.
• Lead nation-wide survey on motivations and mechanisms for organic farmer engagement in participatory breeding.
• Collaborate with a graduate student conducting related research on both projects.
• Travel within the US for fieldwork and data collection as needed.

Skills

Survey design & analysis

Behavioral economics

Quantitative econometrics

Education

PhD in Behavioral Economics or Agricultural Economics

Job description

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.

The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. Combined there are 100+ faculty, ~200 undergraduate majors, 200+ graduate students in six fields, and 600+ other employees located in Ithaca, Geneva, and other satellite locations across New York State. The School offers the multidisciplinary undergraduate major in the Plant Sciences and is also home to the Agricultural Sciences major. School faculty also contribute to the Biology, Global Development, and Viticulture & Enology majors.

Position Function

This position requires an experienced (>2 years) researcher to develop a study on perceptions, preferences and adoption behaviors of US farmers towards a novel biotechnology product. The Postdoctoral Associate will be required to design, implement and analyze state-wide (NY and California) surveys of farmers using behavioral economics methods in the field to gauge receptivity, risk perception, preferences and tradeoffs associated with adoption of a new biotech product. The Postdoctoral Associate will also lead the design, implementation and analysis of a nation-wide survey around motivations and mechanisms for US organic farmer engagement in participatory plant breeding and research. The Postdoctoral Associate will work with a graduate student for both of these projects who will be conducting related research.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Research method development 20%
• Field research 20%
• Data analysis 30%
• Writing 20%
• Student Support 10%

Requirements

• PhD in Behavioral Economics, Agricultural Economics or similar field
• Experience working with primary data such as national agricultural datasets and/or census data.
• Experience designing, implementing and analyzing surveys with farmers
• Experience in quantitative econometric research design and data analysis, with a focus on causal inference and agricultural technology adoption.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to travel within the US for fieldwork.
• Driving required, must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NY State Driver’s License and be cleared for university business. Upon hire must register with Agile/Fleet Commander.

Preferred

• Experience using game-based, or product concept testing behavioral methods
• Demonstrated experience engaging with US commodity or specialty crop grower groups
• Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary teams with biophysical scientists
• Experience supporting and mentoring graduate students

Supervision Exercised

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

CALS hiring range for this title is $63,480 to $65,000.

Pay Range: $62,232.00 - $88,745.00

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.

Cornellwelcomes 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 seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage 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.

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 [phone], or email at [e-mail] .

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 [e-mail] .

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League 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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.