Research Associate - Marine Conservation Technology

POSITION: Research Associate, Marine Conservation Technology

LOCATION: K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics
Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Johnson Center for Birds & Biodiversity

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850

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.

The mission of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is to interpret and conserve the Earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science. The K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics is one of the six Lab programmatic units. Its mission is to collect and interpret sounds in nature by developing and applying innovative conservation technologies across ecologically relevant scales to inspire and inform the conservation of wildlife and habitats. Bioacoustics research from data engineering to ecological outputs, hardware and software development, and global capacity building are the Yang Center's pillars of bioacoustic innovation.

Position Function:

The K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics (https://bioacoustics.cornell.edu) seeks an innovative Research Associate to conduct research in Marine Conservation Bioacoustics and Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). This position will be pivotal in advancing our abilities to monitor and conserve marine ecosystems, particularly through the development and application of DAS and Machine Learning technologies. The successful candidate will drive and oversee innovative interdisciplinary projects, secure funding, mentor early-career researchers, and contribute to the academic and scientific leadership of the Yang Center.

Anticipated Division of Time:

• Conduct original research (35%): Conduct and expand original research initiatives in marine conservation bioacoustics, with a focus on Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) & AI to monitor and conserve marine species and ecosystems. Lead projects that involve the analysis of complex bioacoustic data sets, including those collected with DAS. Publish findings in high-impact scientific journals and present research at national and international conferences. Some research locations could be remote and international.
• Develop novel technologies (25%): Drive the advancement of DAS technology for marine applications, including the integration of machine learning for real-time acoustic detection, classification, localization, and tracking of marine mammals. Develop, document, publish, and maintain open-source Python codebases for bioacoustic data processing and analysis, promoting reproducibility and transparency in the produced research.

• Secure extramural funding (20%): Work with Program Director to write grants and secure funding on major research projects, including those focused on the use of DAS for marine mammal monitoring and conservation. Identify funding opportunities and write successful grant applications to support research initiatives in line with Yang Center priorities. Foster collaborations with national and international academic institutions, industry partners, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations to secure external funding in conjunction with supervisor. Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables. In collaboration with Yang Center's administrative team, ensure that project deliverables such as progress reports, technical reports, and deliverables for grants and contracts are submitted as required by the sponsor.
• Mentor and supervise students/staff/visitors (10%): Mentor and supervise early-career researchers, Cornell undergraduate/graduate students, visitors, and other research staff.
• Capacity building, teaching, and engagement (5%): Contribute to the Yang Center's capacity-building mission by delivering lectures (including Cornell undergraduate courses) and contributing to the development of course and training materials related to bioacoustics and DAS. Communicate the importance of marine conservation to a broader audience, including the public.

• Yang Center administrative tasks (5%): Collaborate on organizing the Center's advisory council meetings, lead all-hands meetings, andbe the point of contact for visiting researchers and students. Establish and maintain a safe, productive, and respectful working environment that fosters inclusivity and teamwork. Model, communicate, and champion the Lab's values and culture.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Underwater Acoustics, Signal Processing, Data Science, Marine Biology, or a related field.
• Extensive postdoctoral associate experience (min. 3 years) in marine bioacoustics, with a strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in using advanced acoustic technologies for marine bioacoustics, including Distributed Acoustic Sensing and automated acoustic detection, classification, localization, and tracking of marine mammals.
• Strong Python programming skills for bioacoustics data analysis, including signal processing and data visualization.
• Excellent communication skills, with proven experience in science communication and public outreach.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in supervising and mentoring students and early-career researchers.
• Experience in seeking and securing research funding.
• Experience in working with large datasets.
• Experience in working with adiverse team.
• Ability to travel internationally and conduct fieldwork.

APPOINTMENT:

This is a full-time, 1-year position, renewable annually for an additional two years pending renewable funding, available work, and successful performance.

SUPERVISION:

Holger Klinck, Director, K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Will supervise postdoctoral researchers, and graduate/undergraduate students.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Onlinehttps://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29346.

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, 1 example publication, 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.

If you have questions about this position, please email Holger Klinck (HK829@cornell.edu). Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

Hiring range for this title is $79,000 - $83,000.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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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.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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.We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

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.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.

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

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.