Research Associate, Research Scientist, Data Scientist

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 down scaled 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 down scaled 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…