Research Associate (Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences); Ithaca, New York

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Research Associate

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

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University is seeking a Research Associate to lead an innovative research program in AI, Deep Learning, and machine learning applications for climate science. This research position will advance cutting-edge approaches to climate prediction, extreme event detection, and seasonal forecasting while building a collaborative research group at Cornell. The position offers substantial independence in research direction while emphasizing mentorship of early career researchers and graduate students and the development of novel computational approaches to climate science challenges.

The primary focus of this position is to establish and direct a research program applying state-of-the-art AI techniques to analyze high-resolution climate datasets. Key emphasis will be placed on developing novel AI approaches for detecting anthropogenic climate signals, improving seasonal-to-decadal predictions, and creating innovative visualization methods. The Research Associate will build a team of graduate students and Postdoctoral Associates while making advanced computational methods more accessible to researchers across career stages. A central goal is to enhance the communication and visualization of climate information through innovative data science approaches, making complex climate projections more accessible to stakeholders and decision-makers.

This project offers a unique leadership opportunity to expand existing collaborations with major climate research institutions, particularly leveraging established relationships with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (NOAA GFDL), and will foster new collaborations around ML/AI with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The position emphasizes both technical innovation and research program development, connecting fundamental climate science with practical applications while building Cornell's capacity in computational climate science.

The position includes support for conferences, travel to collaborate with project partners, and resources for building a research team. Long-term career growth opportunities are available based on research success and program development.

This position is full-time and will be located in Ithaca, New York.

This is a one-year appointment with possible extension contingent on available work, funding, and performance.

Anticipated Division of Time

• (30%) Direct research program in AI/ML applications for climate science, including supervising team members, developing novel algorithms for pattern detection, extreme event attribution, and seasonal forecasting. Lead development of innovative visualization techniques and interpretable machine learning methods.
• (30%) Drive scientific output through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and grant proposals. Lead communication of complex climate science to diverse audiences and foster team members' communication skills.
• (20%) Build and maintain strategic collaborations with research partners, participate in relevant workshops, and pursue new funding opportunities to sustain and grow the research program.
• (20%) Provide senior leadership in departmental computational initiatives, including organizing workshops, mentoring students and postdocs, and developing curriculum in AI applications for climate science.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Earth System Science, Atmospheric Science, or related field.
• Postdoctoral (post-grad) experience (minimum six months in government, academia, or industry).
• Demonstrated expertise in applying machine learning to climate science problems.
• Strong publication record and proven ability to communicate science to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and major ML frameworks (TensorFlow, Keras, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with high-performance computing and large climate datasets.
• Track record of successful collaboration with national laboratories and research institutions.
• Commitment to public engagement and science communication.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation, as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver's license.

Supervision Exercised

• The successful candidate is expectedto work with undergraduate and graduate group members on related or different research and provide mentorship and guidance when collaborating.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29975).

Qualifiedcandidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and astatement supporting diverse communities(this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell's historical mission of "any person ... any study,"via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is University minimum to $80,000.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League andLand-grantuniversity and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information clickhere.

Pay Range:

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.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEEO Statement:

Cornell University's history of diversity and inclusion encourages all students, faculty and staff to support a diverse and inclusive university in which to work, study, teach, research and serve. 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 and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified disabled individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act have rights in the application process and in employment under federal law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.