Research Support Specialist I - Howarth Lab - Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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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.

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Position Summary

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically 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.

The position is located within the department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. The successful applicant will assist in the planning, designing, and conducting of field measurements of methane and ammonia emissions from agricultural sources and associated industries; will provide coordination for the successful implementation of these measurement campaigns; and will assist with analysis of collected data.  They may also assist with the preparation of greenhouse-gas life-cycle assessments, to help set the overall context for this research effort. They will assist in preparing research reports and papers, reviewing research literature, selecting and recommending research data/information based on the research assignment. As appropriate, they will represent the project in periodic meetings with collaborators on the larger NYSDEC/USDA Connects grant of which this project is one part, including colleagues in other departments and programs at Cornell and staff of the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation and NY State Department of Agriculture & Markets.  For the field campaigns, they will coordinate the activities of a team that will include other employees and volunteers, including those funded on related projects, and may supervise one or more summer undergraduate assistants. They will ensure maintenance and calibration of a Picarro cavity ring down spectrometer for measuring methane in the field. They will oversee purchasing and procure non-routine equipment and materials, ensuring that materials and equipment inventories are adequate, and maintaining and