Postdoctoral Associate, Conservation Science at CHESS

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 62,232 - 88,745; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s CLASSE at CHESS invites a Postdoctoral Associate to advance research in cultural heritage science using synchrotron X-ray methods. You will build partnerships with museums and collections and contribute to training for students and professionals.

The role requires a PhD in a related field, experience with x-ray techniques, and a track record in culture heritage research, with strong communication skills and collaborative drive.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related discipline is required by the start of the appointment.
• Experience with x-ray techniques such as x-ray fluorescence microscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and/or x-ray diffraction.
• Demonstrated proficiency in science communication and written and oral communication.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in cultural heritage science using synchrotron techniques at CHESS.
• Collaborate with Cornell-based and external collections to design experiments.
• Deliver lectures, demonstrations, and publications for diverse audiences.

Skills

Science communication

Collaboration

Effective communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

SPEC

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate, Conservation Science at CHESS

Postdoctoral Associate, Conservation Science at CHESS

Postdoctoral Associate, Conservation Science at CHESS

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) at Cornell University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Associate to work with the Conservation Science (EASL ) working group at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS ). The Cornell EASL group’s mission is to advance the study of cultural heritage objects using synchrotron x-ray techniques through building partnerships between CHESS scientists, Cornell faculty, and regional collecting institutions and to lower barriers to synchrotron access for cultural heritage researchers. The successful candidate will actively engage with research projects in cultural heritage, will build partnerships, and will provide hands-on training and educational opportunities for students and professionals. The postdoctoral associate also will support lab-based preparatory work and engage with proposal development.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct original research in the field of cultural heritage science, employing synchrotron techniques at CHESS
• Collaborate with Cornell-based and external collections to identify research questions and design experiments
• Participate in designing and delivering lectures, demonstrations, and publications in cultural heritage science for a wide range of audiences, including the general public, Cornell students, and museum professionals

Essential Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related discipline is required by the start of the appointment
• Experience with x-ray techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence microscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and/or x-ray diffraction
• Strong record of accomplishment in cultural heritage research
• Interest and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical experts, operations staff, and researchers of all levels
• Demonstrated proficiency in science communication, written and oral, formal and informal

Preferred Qualifications:

• Record of impactful scientific publications
• Experience designing and carrying out synchrotron x-ray experiments
• Proficiency with scientific software for advanced data analysis and/or experimental control (e.g., Python, SPEC, MATLAB, etc.)
• Experience with relevant sample preparation and lab-based analyses (e.g., SEM, Raman)
• Experience with or interest in engagement with major cultural heritage collections

Compensation and Additional Information:

The salary range for this position is $63,480-$65,000.The term of this position is nominally for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years in total, based onsatisfactory performance and availability of funding. The position is based in Ithaca, New York, though regular travel to collaborators and collections is expected.

Applications should be submitted through Academic Jobs Online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31588 . A complete application includes the following material:

• Statement of research, summarizing examples of recent research and areas of interest for future work
• The names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three recommenders

Applications will be considered immediately. For more information about the position, please contact Julia Thom-Levy ([e-mail] ) with “Cornell EASL Postdoctoral Position” in the title.

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

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:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [e-mail] .

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] .

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.

EEO Statement:

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.

2026-01-27

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