Postdoctoral Associate – Transdisciplinary Agroecology - CALS - Department of Global Development

Postdoctoral Associate – Transdisciplinary Agroecology

Seeking a postdoctoral associate with PhD research and training in social science fields related to transdisciplinary agroecology, such as critical agrarian studies, sociology, political ecology, human geography, STS, and development studies. Experience with field research appreciated, including quantitative, participatory and qualitative techniques. Area studies perspective desired but region of expertise or concentration open; experience in Malawi/Africa a plus but not required.

The Agroecology Postdoctoral Associate will join and contribute to a vibrant community of scholars across Cornell University, including faculty, researchers, visiting fellows, and graduate students who combine interdisciplinary interests in the everyday experiences of agroecology, political ecology of food systems, and critical social science perspectives on climate change adaptation with disciplinary skills and interests from development studies, ecology, crop and soil sciences, and science and technology studies, among other disciplines.

The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Bezner Kerr to advance several ongoing projects related to agroecology and rural development in Malawi, and to develop new research projects on transdisciplinary agroecology and climate change adaptation in Africa and possibly systematic reviews related to climate change adaptation and agroecology. The Postdoctoral Associate will be integrated into Professor Bezner Kerr’s lab group on food, agroecology, climate change adaptation and social justice, including mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in research methods.

They will meet regularly with students to discuss works in progress and other issues. The postdoctoral researcher will also help with coordination activities of current and prospective research projects, which involve partners in Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa, USA, Canada, France and Germany. Additionally, they will contribute to the Department of Global Development, the Institute of African Studies and Cornell more broadly by working on their own research and connecting to colleagues across the university.

Depending on interests and feasibility, they may be able to teach and/or engage in off‑campus fieldwork with Professor Bezner Kerr.

The successful candidate will split their time between their own research and writing (40%), research and writing with Professor Bezner Kerr (50%), and teaching or mentoring (10%). The postdoctoral associate will meet weekly with Professor Bezner Kerr and her graduate students and may choose to join other reading and writing working groups of interest across campus.

The Postdoctoral Associate will need to be based in Ithaca, NY, and willing to be in person on campus.

Required skills/experience:

• PhD in geography, sociology, development studies or related social science
• Proposal /grant writing
• Knowledge/background in transdisciplinary agroecology theory and application
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social sciences

Preferred experience/skills:

• Knowledge/background in community development in Africa
• Participatory methods
• Gender / feminist methodologies
• Systematic review methodologies

The postdoctoral researcher will mentor graduate and undergraduate students who are involved in the research projects and/or part of the Bezner Kerr Lab. No formal supervision is required of this position.

The Transdisciplinary Agroecology Postdoctoral Associate is appointed for a 12‑month term, with potential for up to 2 years of annual renewal of the position, dependent upon available work, successful performance, and funding. The 12‑month salary is $62,232 plus Cornell employee benefits, including health insurance. Position start date is negotiable between October 16, 2025, and January 2, 2026.

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand‑alone document…