Forecasting changes in avian biodiversity under changing climate Cornell University in United States

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Summary:

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Details

Posted: 05-Oct-25

Location: Ithaca, New York

Type: Full-time

Categories:

Academic/Faculty

Internal Number: 3-100997

Postdoctoral Associate

Academic Job Description

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

Postdoctoral Associate: Forecasting changes in avian biodiversity under changing climate

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

We seek a Postdoctoral Associate with experience in statistical modeling, who is also interested in or has experience with species distribution modeling, climate data analysis, and natural resource decision-making. The successful candidate will use data from eBird and structured monitoring programs to identify priority areas for migratory forest birds through the end of the century by forecasting species' responses to projected climate and land-use/land-cover change under multiple socio-climatic scenarios. The specific focus of this project will be providing external management agencies with robust, high-resolution information on the factors potentially impacting population persistence, which they will then use to make more effective decisions regarding the long-term protection for migratory species. As such, the successful candidate will work closely with researchers both at Cornell and in partner organizations, gaining valuable experience working on a large-scale, multi-sectoral problem.

Specific project objectives include:

Forecasting species' distributions and relative abundances under multiple socio-climatic scenarios through 2100, while accounting for multiple sources of uncertainty.

Identifying potential priority areas for future avian biodiversity under projected climate and land-use/land-cover change scenarios to inform long-term conservation planning and decision-making.

Using structured survey data to scale eBird-derived estimates of relative abundance to population size to quantify the combined impacts of climate and land-use/land-cover change on population persistence.

In addition to external partners, the postdoctoral associate will be working closely with scientists in the Conservation Science and eBird Status and Trends teams at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We encourage postdoctoral associates to explore related research questions and collaborate on projects conducted in the Lab and with partners.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Develop methods for the use eBird and structured survey data as well as data on climate and land-use/land-cover change to meet project goals. (45%)
• Present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars. Prepare peer reviewed papers and other research products, including reports and relevant information to partners. (35%)
• Participate in career and professional development opportunities. (10%)
• Engage in ongoing academic and intellectual life within Natural Resources and the Environment, CALS, and Cornell University, and with all external partners. (5%)
• Participate in general project management and working directly with internal and external project collaborators. (5%)

Term of position

This is a one-year appointment, renewable on a year-to-year basis up to three years conditional on satisfactory performance and funding.

Requirements

• PhD in quantitative ecology, applied statistics, or a related field with strong background in statistics and model development.

• Experience with R and other statistical languages.

• Ability to apply quantitative methods to answer ecological questions or hypotheses.

• Record of success conducting research and scholarly activities, including publication in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences.
• Experience related to using wildlife survey data and participatory science data is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with climate data is preferred but not required.
• Experience in ornithology is a bonus but not required.

Supervision Exercised

The postdoctoral associate will be advised by Dr. Courtney Davis, Assistant Professor in Natural Resources and the Environment. The successful candidate may supervise and mentor students as appropriate.

The postdoctoral associate will be based in Ithaca, NY. Domestic travel is expected for conferences and partner meetings.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30764).

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 range for this title is $62,232.00 to $70,175.00

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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.

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

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:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." 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 in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2025-10-03