Postdoctoral Associate in Quantitative Nutrition and Modeling

Postdoctoral Associate in Quantitative Nutrition and Modeling

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: understanding the world's complex, interlocking systems; ensuring access to nutritious food and a healthy environment;

and supporting local people and communities everywhere.

This position requires a capable scientist in the area of quantitative ruminant nutrition and modeling. The particular focus will be centered around the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System version 7. The individual would be responsible for providing additional validation of methane emissions outputs from CNCPS using methane respiration chamber data to demonstrate that the modeled data correlates with actual measurements and share findings to educate nutritionists.

Developing guidelines elucidating the necessary studies and steps for new enteric methane-inhibiting products to be incorporated into CNCPS and creating educational materials to inform organizations developing enteric solutions. It would also be expected that this individual engages with dairy nutritionists and other stakeholders about what the CNCPS would need to deliver to meet their needs around the inclusion of enteric methane-inhibiting products.

In addition, other functions would be modification of the rumen sub-model of the CNCPS to be adaptable for other feed ingredients and rumen modifiers that reduce methane production – while predicting first limiting nutrients for productivity and further development of the gastrointestinal tract sub-model of the CNCPS.

Primary duties:

• Model development and evaluation (70%) - Analysis and quantification of methane data from chambers and predictions from the CNCPS, sensitivity around inputs, testing and data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Expansion of the nutrient supply and requirements, including non-essential amino acids and fatty acids.
• Writing (20%) – Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations. Assist in preparing grant applications to advance technology development for the assigned project.
• Training/supervision (10%) – Teaching and working with practicing nutritionists about the functionality and capability of the nutrition model and working with graduate students in support of their development within the lab.

This is a full-time position and will be located in Ithaca, New York.

The term of this position is for one year, with the possibility of renewal up to two years in total, based on satisfactory performance and availability of work and funding.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in animal science, dairy science, or related discipline.
• Experience in quantitative ruminant nutrition, rumen function, and rumen physiology with experience in amino and fatty acid requirements and supplies.
• Effective use of statistics and modeling tools in support of decision-making tools.
• Proven ability to work independently and learn continuously.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to follow up and execute evolving research objectives.
• Compile and analyze research data and document project results in manuscript form for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage in teamwork and collaborations.
• Exercise sound intellectual and ethical judgment when acting for the research lab and the University.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with quantitative ruminant nutrition, statistics, modeling, rumen metabolism, and feed chemistry.
• Publication record that exemplifies these qualifications.

Supervision:

Supervision of graduate students in the Van Amburgh lab

CALS hiring rate for this title is $61,008.