Postdoctoral Associate - Horticulture

 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

The EQUIP Lab, led by Dr. Mariel Pfeifer at Cornell University, is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate with expertise in qualitative and/or mixed methods research. Our lab is passionate about conducting research that helps transform STEM education and career training. A major focus of our work is studying how undergraduate STEM courses can be tailored to meet the needs of all learners. Current projects involve studying STEM instructor perceptions of student-centered learning as well as how students from backgrounds traditionally considered “outside” the academy experience and engage in STEM learning and career training. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to existing projects and will also have the opportunity to develop independent or collaborative lines of research aligned with the lab’s mission. The successful candidate will play a major role in the design and execution of qualitative and mixed methods research, working both independently and collaboratively with members of the lab and research partners across institutions. The postdoctoral associate will:

•Lead and contribute to research design, data collection, and analysis

•Author manuscripts and present at academic conferences

•Co-mentor undergraduate researchers, with support and guidance

•Actively contribute to a collaborative lab culture, including providing feedback on ongoing work and participating in lab meetings

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experience, including those who are still developing expertise in some of the areas described above. We are committed to fostering a supportive research environment. You can read more about our mentoring approaches. Depending on the postdoctoral associate’s interests and career goals, additional mentorship in areas such as grant writing, teaching, and science communication will be available. The postdoctoral associate will join a growing community of discipline-based education researchers at Cornell University. Our community meets regularly and offers opportunities for feedback, professional development, and collaboration

Anticipated Division of Time

80% EQUIP-lab-related research, mentoring, writing papers, preparing presentations, and research-related administration.

20% Furthering their own scholarly work or professional development.

Requirements

Applicants must have a PhD in biology education research, STEM education research, discipline-based education research (DBER), or a closely related field by date of appointment.

This is a full-time, in-person position based in Ithaca, NY. The start date is negotiable, with a preferred start no later than Fall 2026.

Supervision Exercised

This position will not supervise anyone

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31909

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

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring rate for this title is $63,480.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer .

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

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.

Employment Assistance:

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

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu .

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu .

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-04-06