Postdoctoral Associate in Just and Equitable Cities

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

Benefits offered by this job

Research allowance up to $3,000 per year

Benefits package

Job summary

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in Just and Equitable Cities to begin July 1, 2026, based in Ithaca. The role includes research on informal settlements, teaching responsibilities, and supporting Center initiatives. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. obtained after September 1, 2018, and have strong quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial analysis skills. The position is full-time with a compensation of $65,000 per year, plus benefits and a research allowance.

Qualifications

• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Experience with geospatial analysis and urban design.
• Ability to engage with policy stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on informal settlements in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Develop approaches to housing security and urban infrastructure.
• Teach one course per year in relevant departments.
• Assist with project management for Center initiatives.

Skills

Quantitative data collection

Qualitative data collection

Geospatial analysis

Urban design

Data visualization

Community engagement

Education

Ph.D. in City Planning, Urban Studies or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate in Just and Equitable Cities

Cornell Mui Ho Center for Cities, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University.

Position Summary

We seek a Postdoctoral Associate who will have completed their Ph.D. in City Planning, Urban Studies, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Policy, Geography, or related field no earlier than September 1, 2020. The role aligns with the Center’s high‑impact initiative on Just and Equitable Cities and involves teaching, research, and project support.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage in research on informal settlements in sub‑Saharan African cities, focusing on settlement upgrading, housing, land tenure, and access to infrastructure and services.


• Develop scalable, place‑based approaches to housing security and universal access to safe, reliable, and affordable core urban infrastructure.


• Teach one course per year in the Department of City and Regional Planning or Architecture, as departmental needs dictate.


• Assist with project management, administration, and partnership coordination for the Center’s initiatives.


• Spend ~50% of time on own research and teaching and ~50% supporting Center initiatives and projects.

Required Qualifications

• Strong expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection, geospatial analysis, urban design, data visualization, and community engagement.


• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and provide instruction in relevant disciplines.


• Experience engaging with substantive policy, governance, or community stakeholders related to informal settlements.


• Ability to work collaboratively with Center staff, faculty, and strategic partners.

Eligibility & Application

• Ph.D. must be obtained no earlier than September 1, 2018; completion before appointment (no later than July 1, 2026) is required.


• Position is full‑time, 12‑month term starting July 1, 2026, renewable for a second year subject to funding and performance.


• Employment is on‑site at the Ithaca campus; travel to national and international sites up to 30% of the time is expected.


• Compensation: $65,000 per year, plus benefits and up to $3,000 per year research allowance; pay ranges $62,232–$88,745 determined by experience, education, and discipline.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds and prohibits discrimination on any legally protected basis. Cornell embraces diversity and encourages applications from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities.

Contact

Questions regarding the position may be directed to the Center Director at [e-mail].