Research Associate - Project Lead, Global Methane Hub

Research Associate - Project Lead, Global Methane Hub

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 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.

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 Green Feed 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 Green Feed units in India and coordinating annual in‑person team meetings to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange.

• Research / project coordination 50%
• Research 35%
• Writing 15%

Requirements

• PhD in Animal Science or related field and 2-3 research experience
• Experience in setting research goals, timelines, and milestones.
• Excellent written communication skills, including proposal and grant writing skills
• Skilled in assigning and tracking work across team members.
• Strong organizational and change management skills.
• Ability to develop and manage research budgets, including for grant proposals.
• Balancing multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Must have and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license and register with Agile/Fleet Commander.

This position will lead research…