Postdoctoral Associate in Coastal Flood Risk Modeling

Biological and Environmental Engineering

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell 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 identities to apply. 

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: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) is one of the largest of its kind in the country, with a very diverse faculty, staff, and student population. The department serves three integrated functions: teaching undergraduate and graduate students, researching problems in biology and the environment, and public outreach to help society implement new knowledge.

Professor Vivek Srikrishnan’s research group studies climate risk management and the co-evolution of human and natural systems under dynamic environmental hazards. This research focuses on the co-evolution of coastal cities with the natural environment.

What You Will Do

As a Postdoctoral Associate, you will be part of the Department of Energy-funded Integrated Coastal Modeling project. You will have ample opportunities to collaborate with researchers from other universities and national laboratories. Additionally, you can co-design a broader research portfolio on coastal flood risk under evolving climate hazards. Job responsibilities include:

• Developing models and conducting simulations of flooding events and impacts and urban dynamics.
• Analyzing simulation results and other datasets to analyze relevant uncertainties and decision strategies.
• Actively publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at scientific conferences.
• Providing guidance and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.

What We Need

We are looking for an individual who excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders and is interested in a research group that studies climate risk management. We need someone interested in research that focuses on the impacts of flooding events on buildings and the feedback between the built environment and flooding dynamics. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• A Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to flood modeling, coupled natural-humans systems analysis, or uncertainty quantification (e.g., civil or environmental engineering, systems engineering, applied mathematics, statistics).
• Proficient programming skills in at least one major scientific computing language (e.g., Python, Julia, C++, etc.).
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills.
• Willingness and ability to assume a leadership role in and conduct research as part of a larger team.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated experience in building positive relationships with various individuals and stakeholders.
• Experience with hydrological modeling, agent-based modeling, coupled natural-human systems analysis, or computational fluid dynamics.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Experience and proficiency with advanced statistical computing techniques, including machine-learning and Bayesian computing.
• Experience with model diagnostics and uncertainty characterization and quantification for computational models.

This position is full-time and will be located in Ithaca, New York. There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State 3 days a week; an on-site presence is required 2 days a week.

This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $56,484 to $60,000.
• Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards .

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25169 ).

Qualified candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, graduate transcript, research statement, contact information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion via the website. 

Applications are due October 31, 2023, and will be reviewed starting November 1, 2023.

More information about the Srikrishnan Research Group is available at the group’s website (https://viveks.bee.cornell.edu ) and lab manual (https://viveks.bee.cornell.edu/lab-manual ). For more information, please contact Professor Vivek Srikrishnan (viveks@cornell.edu ).

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League 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. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Pay Range:

$56,484.00 - $81,000.00

Pay Ranges:

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.

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

• Unique applicable skills.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu .

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu .

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2023-07-27