Postdoctoral position: Biological and Environmental Engineering 2025 views

The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in climate impacts on food-energy water (FEW) systems.

About the position:

• The postdoctoral associate will join a USDA-sponsored interdisciplinary team examining agricultural-to-energy transitions and their implications for the broader FEW system in New York State.
• The postdoc will work under the direct supervision of Drs. Lindsay Anderson, Scott Steinschneider, and Vivek Srikrishnan, with additional interactions in an interdisciplinary team of research faculty at Cornell, including Drs. Ariel Ortiz Bobea, Cynthia Lin Lawell, Todd Walter, and Peter Woodbury.
• The area of research will focus broadly on the impacts of climate variability and change on FEW systems, but with an emphasis on renewable energy infrastructure at local to regional scales.
• The postdoctoral researcher will focus on technical advances that can support integrated climate impact assessments of renewable energy systems and their implications for the design of robust and resilient renewable energy portfolios.
• The position includes a 12-month initial appointment, with the possibility for renewal pending satisfactory performance.
• The target start date is April 1, 2021 (or earlier), but can be delayed if necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Perform data analytics and statistical modeling to develop an energy demand model sensitive to climate dynamics.
• Help develop a power system model of the New York energy system and apply a climate stress test of the system to improve planning and management decisions under uncertainty.
• Actively publish research in relevant peer-reviewed literature and present results at scientific conferences.

Qualifications:

• Applicant must hold PhD in power and energy systems or operations research.
• A proven list of deliverables (peer-reviewed publications, derived products).
• Proficient programming skills in at least one major language for scientific computing (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, C/C++, etc.).
• Willingness and ability to assume a leadership role and conduct research as part of a larger, multidisciplinary team.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in statistical modeling.
• Interdisciplinary research experience in the food, energy, and water nexus.
• Proficient programming skills (R, MATLAB, Python, Fortran, Shell scripting) on multiple platforms (Unix/Linux, Mac, PC).
• Good communication skills and an ability to develop strong working relationships with stakeholders.

How to Apply:

Apply online including a CV, a cover letter indicating how candidate’s qualifications and experience have prepared him/her for this position, the names of at least three references and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion.