Research Aide, Remote Sensing and Tree Phenology

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully onsite Ithaca campus

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY invites applications for a part-time Research Aide in Remote Sensing and Tree Phenology. You will contribute to removing data, processing remote sensing datasets, and supporting vegetation phenology research across campus and field sites.

The role is onsite at Ithaca with a 29.25-hour work week for one year, with opportunities to extend. Strong data handling, scripting (R/Python/GEE) and geospatial know-how are essential, along with collaborative teamwork and

Qualifications

• High school diploma with up to 2 years relevant experience.
• Experience with data in a scripting environment such as R, Python, or Google Earth Engine.
• Familiarity with geospatial data, including raster and vector formats, CRS, and spatial resolution.
• Ability to organize, process, and quality-check large datasets and keep records.
• Ability to follow documented data-processing protocols for reproducibility.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to inclusive collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Organizing, managing, and processing remote sensing datasets from multiple sources.
• Downloading, assembling, and maintaining research datasets.
• Performing data quality control and statistical analyses.
• Communicating with members of the Principal Investigator’s research group.
• Assisting with processing and analysis of satellite, aerial, and drone imagery.
• Deploying, maintaining, and monitoring field cameras and environmental sensors.
• Entering, validating, and managing data within shared project databases.
• Preparing data summaries, reports, and visualizations to support research activities.
• Maintaining laboratory and field equipment.
• Ordering and tracking research supplies as needed.
• Supporting other research-related activities to advance project objectives.

Skills

R

Python

Google Earth Engine

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree (bonus)

Tools

Geospatial data

CRS and raster/vector formats

Job description

Research Aide, Remote Sensing and Tree Phenology

About the School of Integrative Plant Science, Soil and Crop Sciences Section

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

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 Opportunity

Are you passionate about understanding how forests respond to a changing environment? Do you enjoy working with data, technology, and scientific research that helps advance knowledge of ecosystems and vegetation dynamics? We invite applications for a Research Aide, Remote Sensing and Tree Phenology position supporting innovative research on tree phenology, urban and rural forests, and remote sensing applications across diverse landscapes.

In this role, you will contribute to research that combines field observations, environmental monitoring, and cutting-edge remote sensing technologies to better understand vegetation patterns and ecosystem processes. You will work closely with researchers and students in a collaborative environment that values curiosity, scientific rigor, and teamwork.

This is a part-time (29.25 hours per week), onsite, 1 year term appointment which may be ended or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

What You Will Do

As a Research Aide, you will support both field-based and campus-based research activities. Key responsibilities include:

• Organizing, managing, and processing remote sensing datasets from multiple sources.
• Downloading, assembling, and maintaining research datasets.
• Performing data quality control and statistical analyses.
• Communicating and coordinating with members of the Principal Investigator’s research group.
• Assisting with the processing and analysis of satellite, aerial, and drone imagery.
• Deploying, maintaining, and monitoring field cameras and environmental sensors.
• Entering, validating, and managing data within shared project databases.
• Preparing data summaries, reports, and visualizations to support research activities.
• Maintaining laboratory and field equipment.
• Ordering and tracking research supplies as needed.
• Supporting other research-related activities that advance project objectives.

What We Need

• High school diploma and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience working with data in a scripting environment such as R, Python, or Google Earth Engine.
• Familiarity with geospatial data, including raster and vector formats, coordinate reference systems, and spatial resolution.
• Ability to acquire data from online repositories and data portals, and to keep organized records of what was downloaded, when, and from where.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, process, and quality-check large datasets, including identifying anomalies and missing records.
• Ability to follow and document written data-processing protocols so that analyses can be reproduced by others.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent datasets and processing tasks.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

It Would Be a Bonus if You Have the Following

• Associate’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is fully onsite and located on the Ithaca campus.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award‑winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell’s impressive educational benefits include tuition‑free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

University Job Title:

Research Aide II

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

B

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$23.40 - $24.28

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Aubrey Lang

Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. 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
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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, staff, and community members. 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.

2026-10-21