Research Associate - Food System Modeler

Research Associate - Food System Modeler

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.

Position Function

This position is part of a research program on sustainability assessments of global livestock and food systems. This role requires an experienced scientist and/or programmer to use models in researching the impacts of food policy, supply chain practices, human behavior, and farm management on the sustainability of food and agricultural systems. This individual will be required to lead the ongoing development and deployment of the City Food Policy Project food system model.

They will also lead development of software integrations for use in life cycle assessments, dynamic system models of livestock production, and environmental impact models and methods. Responsibilities include model design, analysis, coding, testing, debugging, and documenting; ensuring code meets industry standards and is compatible across platforms; participating in database design and utilization; communicating with users for needs analysis and providing resolution for software and research systems;

training staff/students on modern coding standards and best practices; completing code reviews; and providing technical support for data analyses and visualization. They will mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in research in the lab. The individual will be expected to contribute to scholarly publications and grant proposals, and prepare research reports.

Individual can work remote from within the US, however there will be 1‑3 trips to the Ithaca campus per year for activities such as a quick start workshop with one of the lab’s models for new graduate/undergraduate students working in the lab.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research – 90%
Mentoring – 10%

Requirements

Required

• PhD in Computer Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, or relevant field and/or experience conducting similar work
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, R) and database systems
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, Dev Ops practices, and agile development
• Experience collaborating with teams using Git Hub, Slack, and other code development, sharing, and project management platforms
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS drivers’ license and be cleared to drive for university business and register with Agile/Fleet Commander

Preferred

• Record of scholarly publications and experience supporting research projects, including data analysis and grant preparation
• Experience with agent‑based models, statistical methods, artificial intelligence, process modeling, and data visualization
• Experience working in teams with people from various socioeconomic, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds
• Familiarity with system dynamics models
• Experience with cloud platforms
• Familiarity with programming languages such as JavaScript, ASP/.NET, PHP, SQL, Java, and related technologies

Supervision Exercised

This position will not formally supervise others but will

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as…