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 Research Associate -Project Lead will play a central role in the strategic and operational delivery of academic research initiatives. This position is responsible for organizing and coordinating collaborative research projects, reviewing and developing detailed project and proposal budgets, and managing work assignments and schedules to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes. In addition to project leadership, the Research Associate actively engages in both independent and team-based research, contributing to the generation of new knowledge within their field. They are expected to produce high-quality academic publications, contribute to the preparation of grant applications and progress reports, seek out new funding opportunities, and foster a collaborative research environment across interdisciplinary teams. This is an academic leadership role requiring subject-matter expertise, scholarly productivity, and strong project management capabilities.
The Research Associate – Project Lead will play a central role in the strategic and operational delivery of academic research initiatives, with a strong emphasis on international dairy sustainability projects. This position is responsible for organizing and coordinating collaborative research efforts, reviewing and developing detailed project and proposal budgets, and managing work assignments and schedules to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes. In addition to project leadership, the Research Associate – Project Lead actively engages in both independent and team-based research, contributing to the generation of new knowledge within their field. They are expected to produce high-quality academic publications, support the preparation of grant applications and progress reports, seek out new funding opportunities, and foster a collaborative research environment across interdisciplinary teams. This is an academic leadership role requiring subject-matter expertise, scholarly productivity, and strong project management capabilities.
One of the major research projects include a major international initiative in Maharashtra, India. This work involves collaborations with BAIF and the Maharashtra Livestock Development Board (MLDB) to advance dairy nutrition and climate-smart practices. Key objectives include developing a comprehensive feed library and ration balancing program tailored for Maharashtra, and studying enteric methane mitigation strategies using Cornell-owned GreenFeed units. The team also leverages Cornell PRO-Dairy extension resources to design educational programming and materials for smallholder farmers, supported by industry partners such as the Danone Milk Institute (in development).
The Research Associate – Project Lead will contribute to and oversee critical aspects of this project, including financial management, co-creation of surveys and training materials, sample and data collection, contract reporting, and dissemination of findings through publications and presentations. Additional responsibilities include supporting the maintenance and deployment of GreenFeed units in India and coordinating annual in-person team meetings to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Anticipated Division of Time
Research / project coordination 50%
Research 35%
Writing 15%
Requirements
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PhD in Animal Science or related field and 2-3 research experience
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Experience in setting research goals, timelines, and milestones.
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Excellent written communication skills, including proposal and grant writing skills
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Skilled in assigning and tracking work across team members.
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Strong organizational and change management skills.
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Ability to develop and manage research budgets, including for grant proposals.
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Balancing multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
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Must have and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license and register with Agile/Fleet Commander.
Supervision Exercised
This position will lead research teams and mentor junior researchers but will not formally supervise anyone.
To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31347).
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 rate for this position is $80,000.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university 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.
With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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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 (VEVRAA) 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.
2025-12-08
