Research Associate - Project Lead, Global Methane Hub

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in New York is seeking a Research Associate - Project Lead to coordinate and oversee strategic academic research projects. The role involves organizing collaborative research, managing budgets, and contributing to publications and grant proposals. Candidates must possess a PhD in Animal Science or a related field, along with research experience and strong project management skills. The hiring rate for this position is $80,000, with additional consideration given to relevant experience and education.

Qualifications

• Experience setting research goals, timelines, and milestones.
• Excellent written communication skills, including proposal and grant writing.
• Strong organizational and change management skills.

Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate collaborative research projects.
• Produce high-quality academic publications.
• Manage work assignments and schedules.

Skills

Research project coordination

Writing

Communication skills

Budget management

Education

PhD in Animal Science or related field

Job description

Research Associate - Project Lead, Global Methane Hub

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 Research Associate – Project Lead will play a central role in the strategic and operational delivery of academic research initiatives. This position is responsible for organizing and coordinating collaborative research projects, reviewing and developing detailed project and proposal budgets, and managing work assignments and schedules to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes. In addition to project leadership, the Research Associate actively engages in both independent and team-based research, contributing to the generation of new knowledge within their field. They are expected to produce high-quality academic publications, contribute to the preparation of grant applications and progress reports, seek out new funding opportunities, and foster a collaborative research environment across interdisciplinary teams. This is an academic leadership role requiring subject-matter expertise, scholarly productivity, and strong project management capabilities.

One of the major research projects include a major international initiative in Maharashtra, India. This work involves collaborations with BAIF and the Maharashtra Livestock Development Board (MLDB) to advance dairy nutrition and climate-smart practices. Key objectives include developing a comprehensive feed library and ration balancing program tailored for Maharashtra, and studying enteric methane mitigation strategies using Cornell‑owned GreenFeed units. The team also leverages Cornell PRO‑Dairy extension resources to design educational programming and materials for smallholder farmers, supported by industry partners such as the Danone Milk Institute (in development).

The Research Associate – Project Lead will contribute to and oversee critical aspects of this project, including financial management, co‑creation of surveys and training materials, sample and data collection, contract reporting, and dissemination of findings through publications and presentations. Additional responsibilities include supporting the maintenance and deployment of GreenFeed units in India and coordinating annual in‑person team meetings to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange.

• Research / project coordination 50%
• Research 35%
• Writing 15%

Requirements

• PhD in Animal Science or related field and 2-3 research experience
• Experience in setting research goals, timelines, and milestones.
• Excellent written communication skills, including proposal and grant writing skills
• Skilled in assigning and tracking work across team members.
• Strong organizational and change management skills.
• Ability to develop and manage research budgets, including for grant proposals.
• Balancing multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Must have and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license and register with Agile/Fleet Commander.

This position will lead research teams and mentor junior researchers but will not formally supervise anyone.

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 $80,000.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

• 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.

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