Postdoctoral Position at Cornell University: Balancing Environmental and Nutritional Tradeoffs of Expanding Amazonian Aquaculture
In partnership with the Earth Innovation Institute and the Wildlife Conservation Society, we are seeking candidates for a 2-year postdoctoral position funded by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. Our project goal is to identify how expanding aquaculture can contribute to sustainable and nutritious food systems in the Amazon Basin. The successful applicant will be based at Cornell University (USA) and will be part of an interdisciplinary team with expertise in aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, socio-ecological systems, food security, conservation, fisheries, geospatial analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The postdoctoral associate will work closely with our academic and non-academic partners in the US, Peru, and Brazil, and will offer leadership in three main areas. First, pairing existing databases with time series of remotely sensed imagery, we will map the spatiotemporal trajectory of aquaculture development in the Amazon. Second, we will synthesize existing information and work with partners collecting novel field data to evaluate how greenhouse gas emissions from Amazon aquaculture compares to those from other animal source foods in the region. Third, we will evaluate alternative portfolios of animal source foods in terms of capacity to meet human nutritional needs while minimizing environmental impact.
Successful candidates could have expertise across a range of disciplines. The ideal candidate will be proficient in geospatial analysis and data synthesis, with disciplinary expertise in remote sensing, socio-ecological systems, food systems, aquatic ecology, fisheries science, and/or biogeochemistry. We are looking for a postdoctoral associate who can start as soon as possible, but a Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment. A competitive salary and benefits package will be provided.
To apply, please submit a single pdf file with a letter of interest (2-page maximum), a CV, copies of 2-3 publications, and contact information for 3 references. The letter of interest should describe any relevant experience, including work in the Amazon or other parts of Latin America, and Spanish or Portuguese language skills. Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Applications should be sent by e-mail to Dr. Alex Flecker (asf3@cornell.edu), Dr. Sebastian Heilpern (s.heilpern@cornell.edu), and Dr. Rafael M. Almeida (rafael.almeida@utrgv.edu). We welcome pre-application inquiries. Review of applications will begin October 10 and will continue until the position is filled.