Research Associate

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 68,850 - 84,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Employee wellness programs

Flexible work options

Job summary

A prestigious research institution is seeking a skilled Research Associate to develop statistical downscaling tests and analyze complex meteorological data. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in atmospheric science and have significant experience with climatological datasets. Successful candidates must demonstrate excellent communication and data analysis skills while being part of collaborative projects. The position is based in Ithaca, NY and offers a competitive salary of $76,500.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience with large gridded climatological datasets.
• Ability to pursue research independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with federal and regional climate data sources, especially downscaled climate data sets.

Responsibilities

• Develop a suite of statistical downscaling tests for meteorological variables.
• Lead interfacing with project partners and sponsors.
• Develop manuscripts reporting results in peer-reviewed literature.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Data analysis

Communication skills

Python proficiency

Education

PhD in physics, atmospheric science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data analysis software

Job description

Overview

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, with three core beliefs guiding our work: understanding complex interlocking systems, ensuring access to nutritious food and a healthy environment, and supporting a prosperous global future through local action.

Position Function

The Research Associate will develop a suite of statistical downscaling tests focusing on the representation of meteorological variables and derived quantities, including extremes and diagnostic measures of interest to DoD stakeholders (e.g., metrics related to human health, energy use, infrastructure). The role includes leading the implementation of tests for multiple statistical downscaled data products, gridded observation-based data sets, and station data. The position will lead the development of a battery of tests and metrics to assess which downscaling methods provide robust, reliable information to discriminate among them for proposed demonstration installations. The Research Associate will co-lead project meetings, present at project meetings, annual symposia and other conferences, publish results in peer‑reviewed journals, and contribute materials to fit-for-purpose guidance and decision support tools.

While responsibilities vary, every member of the CALS community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration.

Anticipated Division of Time

Data analysis (60%):

• Collection and analysis of complex data; may research, tabulate, graph and map complex data.
• Conduct statistical analyses
• Analyze and interpret quantitative data
• Develop a suite of statistical downscaling tests focusing on the representation of meteorological variables and derived quantities at select sites
• Develop fit-for-purpose guidance for select sites
• Participate in decision support tool design, utilization and research/data analysis, and suggest improvements in decision support tool

Communication (10%):

• Lead interfacing with project partners and the sponsor on interpretation of results
• Coordinate with project partners on data curation for shared database

Reporting (20%):

• Develop manuscripts reporting research results in peer‑reviewed literature
• Formulate project reports for sponsors
• Present work on project calls, at annual program meetings, and at conferences and workshops
• Co-lead the development of research directions within the project and follow-on research plans

Other position-related responsibilities (10%):

• Participate in projects or other duties as assigned with occasional work responsibility above or below current classification
• Complete any university-required compliance trainings

Requirements

• PhD in physics, atmospheric science, or related field
• 2+ years of relevant experience with large gridded climatological datasets
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Proficiency in Python or other data analysis software
• Ability to navigate HPC environments
• Familiarity with federal and regional climate data sources, especially downscaled climate data sets
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to pursue research independently and as part of a team
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Supervision Exercised

While student supervision is not formally part of the project and job description, the successful candidate is encouraged to work with other group members on related or different research and provide mentorship and guidance when collaborating. No formal supervisory requirements.

To apply

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. CALS hiring rate for this position is $76,500. Any questions for this position should be directed to Flavio Lehner ([e-mail]).

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.

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

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 [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

Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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 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.

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. 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.