Empowering Biodiversity for People and Planet

Focus: Population Biology and Genomic Architecture of Species Success

Computational Biology, Cornell University

Position: Assistant/Associate Professor, Tenure-track

Location: Ithaca, NY. The academic home for this position is the Department of Computational Biology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University

The Department of Computational Biology welcomes applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track position at the assistant/associate professor level, focusing on Population Biology and Genomic Architecture of Species Success. With loss of habitat, many species of plants and animals are seeing severe reductions in population size, while others are losing diversity in form and function as they adapt to more severe and marginal conditions. We are only beginning to understand the underlying mechanisms that determine how population restriction impacts extinction risk. Comparative genomic sampling from collapsing and thriving populations, together with analyses of historical samples, offer exciting prospects to deepen our understanding of the genetic architecture of fitness and adaptive potential, which will be critical for guiding the establishment of resilient populations for the future.

We are looking for a highly collaborative individual to join a Cohort Faculty Hire in Empowering Biodiversity for People and Planet. The ideal candidate will use their research program to directly inform biodiversity conservation efforts and forge new ground by integrating historically siloed disciplines, addressing questions across scales, or innovating novel approaches to measuring and modeling population resilience factors. In addition to this advertised hire, the Empowering Biodiversity cohort includes new faculty positions in Biodiversity Informatics (Department of Natural Resources and the Environment), Plant Biodiversity and Adaptation (School of Integrative Plant Science), Insect Biodiversity and Conservation (Entomology), and the Economics of Biodiversity (Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management).

The CALS Roadmap to 2050 has identified five Transdisciplinary Moonshots - opportunities for the CALS community to collaborate on future-focused, cross-disciplinary scientific breakthroughs and to align research, education, and extension programs for greater impact and stronger connectivity. The Moonshot areas build upon core strengths in CALS, spanning the agricultural, life, environmental and social sciences, with the goal of recruiting 27 faculty into the college over the next three years. The Empowering Biodiversity cohort will advance the CALS Transdisciplinary Moonshot in Pioneering Life Science Breakthroughs.

We seek a colleague with an outstanding record demonstrating success and promise in computational biology as applied to population biology and comparative genomics, with research elements including applications of big data to studies of adaptation, predictive modelling, collections-enhanced temporal research, and/or biodiversity monitoring and assessment. The ideal candidate will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. As such, candidates are expected to engage in service and leadership activities within their department, the college and university, and relevant professional societies.

Responsibilities: This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% teaching.

Research (60%) – The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program that applies advanced data science and computational methods to understanding the role of genetic diversity in its impacts on the long-term vitality of species.

Teaching (40%) – The successful candidate will develop a 3-credit course at the undergrad and graduate level focused on computational methods for understanding the implications of biodiversity loss. They will also be expected to engage in teaching efforts to help students acquire fundamental skills in computational biology, as well as periodic symposium courses on special topics of their choosing.

Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and will be based in the Department of Computational Biology . The new faculty member will also be part of the Biodiversity Initiative at Cornell University (BioICU) as a member of the cohort of faculty hires focusing on Empowering Biodiversity for People and Planet.

Qualifications:The successful candidate will have aPh.D. in computational biology, computer science, computational statistics, or a related field and a primary interest in understanding the consequences of loss of biodiversity through the development and use of computational and statistical methods. Postdoctoral experience with a demonstrated record of productivity is required. A commitment to research and teaching in biological data science and to the development of multidisciplinary team-based research and training programs is essential.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2024 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) a teaching statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) a statement of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion outlining how, through research, extension, mentoring, and/or service, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornells mission of “any person … any study,” 6) copies of four relevant publications, and 7) arrange to have three reference letters submitted to the Academic Jobs Online application site below. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25620 . Initial screening of applications will begin Nov 20, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Search Committee Chair:  Philipp Messer

Department of Computational Biology

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14850

Email: messer@cornell.edu

CALS hiring range for position:

Assistant Professor: $79,400 - $135,000

Associate Professor:  $97,500 - $148,500

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is engaged in pioneering pursuit of inclusive, purpose-driven science. As Cornell Universitys second largest college, with discovery for impact at its core, we work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through equitable, world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments, and their communities both in New York state and around the world.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the main campus in Ithaca, New York. 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.

The Cornell community embraces diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. We value AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts and retains persons of all races, ethnicities, and genders. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.