Postdoctoral Associate - Sustainable Energy and Synthetic Biology

 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 Barstow lab in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University is looking for postdoctoral associate to support, lead and invent projects at the intersection of sustainable energy, synthetic biology, physics and chemistry.

The postdoctoral associate will join the growing Microbe-Mineral Atlas Center team to understand how microbes accelerate geology, and then leverage it for mining metals for sustainable energy technologies and CO2 sequestration.

This position includes a 12-month initial appointment, available starting immediately, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon available work, satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Characterize the genetics of microbe-mineral interactions and engineer them (65%)

• Write and publish outstanding peer reviewed research articles and present results at scientific meetings. (30%)

• Assist in the development of proposals for external funding for research projects. (5%)

Requirements

• A PhD degree in physics, chemistry, synthetic, systems or molecular biology or related fields.

• A track record of independence, and a high level of enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, learning new skills and a demonstrated ability to well as part of a team.

• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills.

I’m particularly interested in candidates who have experience with;

• Molecular or synthetic biology

• Microbiology, particularly of non-model organisms

• Computer programming and experience with the solution of numerical problems, machine vision, and analysis of next-generation sequencing data

• High-throughput screening

Supervision Exercised

This job comes with a high degree of autonomy. The successful candidate will however, be expected to meet with the principal investigator at least twice per week for approximately 2 hours. There are no supervisory components with this position.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30906

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

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

CALS hiring rate for this position is $62,232.

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.

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

University Job Title:

Post Dr Assoc

Job Family:

Post Doc Other

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Amanda Anderson

Contact Email:

[email protected]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. 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

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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2025-10-16