Research Associate - Plowright Lab

1000scholars; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Endowed benefits

Job summary

Cornell University’s Plowright Lab in Ithaca, NY seeks a Research Associate to lead bat experiments and co-lead field research on bat responses to global change and pathogen spillover. The role involves coordinating ecological components across Indonesia and Bangladesh and collaborating with a multi-institution team.

The position requires a PhD in a related field, demonstrated wildlife research experience, quantitative method skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Strong background in animal or wildlife research and handling of infectious-diseased or physiological/ecological data.
• Proven ability to develop and apply quantitative methods to ecological questions.
• Track record of independent research and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research team and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Co-design, plan, and execute bat experiments at Cornell University.
• Co-lead ecological components of field research on bats and spillover risk.
• Design spatial and temporal sampling strategies with geospatial scientists and epidemiologists.
• Lead analyses, interpretation, and preparation of manuscripts and presentations.
• Coordinate biomarker development, validation, and field deployment.
• Represent the research area in cross-team coordination and guide the program’s scientific direction.
• Mentor and support trainees on the team.
• Contribute to donor reports and other project deliverables.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Independent researcher

Team collaboration

Project management

Field travel readiness

Education

PhD in disease ecology, ecological immunology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, ecology, or related fields

Job description

Position Description

Research Associate
Dr. Raina Plowright's Laboratory
Public and Ecosystem Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

The Plowright Lab in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell University seeks applications for a Research Associate. This position is supported through the NIH-funded Center for Spillover Prevention, One Health Research, and Outbreak Readiness in Asia, part of the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID) Network. We study how animals respond to global change and how these responses change the risk of pathogen spillover.

The Research Associate will lead, organize, and conduct bat experiments at Cornell University to understand bat immune responses to stress. The Associate will also co‑lead field research examining how bats respond to global change and how these responses influence pathogen spillover. This role will include coordinating the ecological components of the fieldwork conducted by local research teams in Indonesia and Bangladesh.

The Center’s multidisciplinary team will include colleagues at Johns Hopkins University, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University College of Human Ecology, and Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Co-design, plan, and execute bat experiments at Cornell University.
• Co‑lead the ecological components of the field research focused on understanding how bats respond to global change and how these responses influence pathogen spillover.
• Co-design spatial and temporal sampling strategies in collaboration with geospatial scientists, ecologists, and epidemiologists.
• Lead analyses and interpretation and the preparation of manuscripts and presentations arising from the experimental and ecological field components, in collaboration with the Center’s team.
• Help coordinate biomarker development, validation, and field deployment.
• Represent the research area in cross‑team coordination and contribute to the broader research program’s scientific direction.
• Help mentor and support trainees on the team.
• Contribute to the preparation of donor reports and other project deliverables.

Requirements

• This position requires a PhD in disease ecology, ecological immunology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, ecology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience conducting animal or wildlife research; designing experiments; handling and sampling wildlife; and working with infectious‑disease or physiological/ecological data.
• Ability to develop, adapt, and apply quantitative methods to answer ecological questions.
• A strong record of conducting independent research and scholarly activities, including publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary research team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a collaborative, fast‑paced research environment.
• Experience in the management of research, scientific, or academic projects.
• Creative and critical‑thinking skills with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative research approaches.
• Willingness to be based in Ithaca, NY.
• Ability to travel internationally for fieldwork in Indonesia and Bangladesh (up to one month per year in the field).

Preferred

• Excellent quantitative skills
• Experience working with bats

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $90,000. This position is eligible for endowed benefits.

Pay Ranges

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9‑month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

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 (VEVRRA) 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.