Senior Research Associate (Aquatic Ecology / Fisheries)

Senior Research Associate

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

Location: Cornell Biological Field Station                            

Bridgeport, New York 

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.

Department and Unit Description

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment is one of the pioneer departments of natural resources in the nation and known as a center for fisheries research.  The Department is part of the School for Sustainable Development and the Environment and the home for the Environment and Sustainability major at Cornell University with a 30+ faculty studying and teaching both ecological and social aspects of environmental and natural resource management. The Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS) is an internationally renowned center for fisheries and aquatic research located on the shore of Oneida Lake. The person in this position will lead the fisheries program at CBFS continuing our 70 year collaboration with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Fisheries (NYSDEC).

Job Description

We seek an individual with the ability to develop and lead a strong research program in fish ecology and fisheries management with funding from NYSDEC. The incumbent will conduct research on issues associated with warmwater fisheries management in New York State, with a focus on Oneida Lake.  This collaboration between NYSDEC and CBFS started under Dr. John Forney and has used both traditional fisheries management tools and an ecosystem approach for 70 years.  Studies on Oneida Lake have resulted in one of the best long-term data series on fish and fisheries in North America, which offers numerous opportunities for understanding fish and fisheries in a changing world.

The Sr. Research Associate will be expected to work with NYSDEC fisheries managers and with scientists at Cornell to develop and conduct research projects on Oneida Lake and potentially other fisheries across New York State and contribute to scientific-based management of New York’s warmwater fisheries resources. New York State is a water-rich state with a variety of inland lakes and rivers from deep Finger Lakes to small ponds. The position requires frequent interactions with NYSDEC fisheries managers, including participation in working groups, field activities, analysis of fisheries data and technical consultation. Duties include working with the PI and CBFS Director (Lars Rudstam until July 1, 2026, Olaf Jensen thereafter) to co-lead the NYSDEC-funded warmwater fisheries research grant, being the primary contact between NYSDEC fisheries and CBFS, and supervising field and laboratory personnel working on NYSDEC-funded projects at CBFS. The incumbent is responsible for reports and white papers requested by the granting agency (NYSDEC), is expected to contribute to the peer-reviewed literature on fisheries and aquatic science, and to the development of future grant applications.

Term of position

This is a full-time position located at the Cornell Biological Field Station by Oneida Lake in Bridgeport, NY. The initial appointment term is for one year and is renewable depending on available work, funding and satisfactory performance. Frequent travel to the Cornell Ithaca campus to participate in departmental, college and university activities, and supervise graduate students is expected.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research                                80%

Outreach/Service          20%

Supervision Exercised

The incumbent will supervise a research group that includes research support specialists, research technicians, and undergraduate student interns. Supervision of graduate students and participation in graduate student committees are expected. Outreach activities associated with New York fisheries and service associated with CBFS administration, field classes, and the CBFS intern program are also expected.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions 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 Office of Civil Rights 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. 

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.

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.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research statement
• Letter of Interest
• Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

http://dnr.cals.cornell.edu/

Lars Rudstam <lgr1@cornell.edu>

111 Fernow Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853