Postdoctoral Associate Land Systems Sustainability

Postdoctoral Associate on Land Systems Sustainability

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.

This full‑time Postdoctoral Associate will lead research at the intersection of crop‑switching, environmental resilience, and agrifood sustainability. The candidate will develop and apply spatial analysis, remote sensing, and modeling to evaluate the technical, environmental, and socioeconomic implications of transitioning to resilient crops in the Northeastern U.S. and comparable temperate regions.

• Build geospatial datasets and remote‑sensing pipelines.
• Integrate crop, hydrologic, and GHG/energy models to quantify trade‑offs among yield, water, emissions, biodiversity, and more.
• Create decision‑support tools and maps to guide farmers, extension agents, and policy partners.
• Collaborate on co‑production activities with community and stakeholders.

The postdoc will also have opportunities to lead and co‑author high‑impact publications, mentor students, and contribute to grant reporting and new proposals.

Initial appointment is for one year with annual renewal contingent on available work, performance, and funding.

• Research & Tool‑building (60%) – Geospatial/RS analytics; model design and validation; reproducible workflows.
• Stakeholder Collaboration (20%) – Co‑develop decision tools; synthesize partner data; occasional site visits across NYS.
• Publications & Dissemination (15%) – Lead/assist manuscripts and conference papers.
• Mentoring & Project Coordination (5%) – Mentor graduate/undergraduate research assistants; coordinate with interdisciplinary research team and partners.

• Ph.D. (by start date) in Geography, Environmental Science, Earth Systems Science, Natural Resources, Sustainability, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in spatial analysis & GIS and remote sensing for land/water/agricultural applications.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R (geospatial stacks, data wrangling, visualization).
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications commensurate with career stage and strong scientific writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community partners and an interdisciplinary team; excellent communication skills.

The postdoc will mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and may provide functional supervision to research staff and student assistants consistent with CALS guidelines.

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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. Preference will be given to applications submitted by December 15, 2025.

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement.

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