Temporary Research Support - Biological and Environmental Engineering

 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 Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) is diverse with two distinct and highly integrated program areas: Biological Engineering and Environmental Engineering. Although these two program areas share significant commonality in teaching, especially with regard to the core curriculum, there are significant differences in emphasis and course options. These differences result in a flexible program that satisfies the diverse interests of our students. Accordingly, the intellectual breadth of the BEE department is even more strongly reflected by the diversity of the department's research and outreach activities. Biological Engineering integrates engineering practice and quantitative biology, with a focus on food systems, life sciences, human health and the environment. The entire department is home to 20 faculty, 70+ graduate students, and 50 + academic and non-academic staff with a focus on education, research and outreach.

Position Summary

The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) at Cornell University seeks a research assistant to support an Indigenous mapping project that will create spatial representations of Indigenous lands, resources, perspectives, activities, and traditional knowledge in the Finger Lakes region. These mapping features will be combined with spatial representations of hydrologic data, to better understand how emerging trends in climate and hydrology threaten Indigenous cultural activities and values in the region. The research assistant will work directly with staff and faculty in the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, as well as members of the Steinschneider Lab in BEE, to developing these mapping products. A goal of this project is to develop curricular content that can support undergraduate education at Cornell, as well as partnering Indigenous institutions in the broader region (Six Nations Polytechnic).

This is a part-time position at 50% FTE. This is a temporary appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State 5 days a week, once necessary training is completed.

The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid / remote work arrangement at any time.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Significant experience with GIS and digital mapping

• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities. 

• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. 

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Indigenous communities, including knowledge of key principles and practices to ensure ethical work: respect for sovereignty, protocols, and data ownership; understanding and valuing cultural diversity; ensuring reciprocity; and