Research Associate - Food Science

Research Associate - Food Science

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.

Position Function

This position reports to Professor Abigail Snyder in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University.

Responsibilities related to the research include carrying out the data analysis and modeling for the assigned projects.

Responsibilities related to mentoring and supervising students include helping students with data analysis, experimental design, and manuscript development, which can be done virtually.

The Research Associate needs to be an experienced researcher who will use various microbiology, data science, bioinformatic, and modeling skills to research a broad range of projects relevant to Food and Agriculture Sciences at the Department of Food Science at Cornell University. This individual will be involved in the following projects:

• Modeling of cross-contamination
• Quantitative microbial risk assessment
• Covalent organic framework development
• Analysis of genomic data
• Statistical analysis and experimental design for the produce and dairy industries
• Meta-analysis and systematic reviews

The Research Associate will perform quantitative research and supervise all digital resources for the lab. In addition, they will be expected to develop new research ideas, design experiments, collect data, present the results, write reports/papers, and develop proposals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments in computational biology
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring high standards of accuracy and reproducibility.
• Write research proposals to secure funding from various sources.
• Mentor and support graduate students, providing guidance and support in their research projects.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and execute research projects.
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Stay current with the latest developments in the field of food microbiology and related areas.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Conduct research:
  This will include designing experiments, writing grant proposals, analyzing results, and writing papers for publication (80% of effort)
• Mentor and support graduate students (15% of effort)
• Write reports, papers for publication in peer‑reviewed journals, and grant proposals (5% of effort)

Requirements

• Academic training:
  Ph.D. in food science, data science, or microbiology.
• Evidence of ability to work independently
• Experience with advanced quantitative techniques or methods.
• Knowledge of current trends and advancements in microbiology/food safety research.
• Over a year of postdoctoral experience in a relevant field.
• Extensive lab experience in wet chemistry and synthesis.
• Proven track record of publishing research in high-impact scientific journals.
• Experience in writing research proposals and securing funding.
• Strong mentoring skills with experience supporting students.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Supervision Exercise

The incumbent of this position will be supervised by Professor Abigail Snyder. There are no supervising responsibilities with this position.

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