These Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship awards support individuals pursuing cutting-edge scholarship, while fostering intellectual interaction with multiple Lab programs and Cornell scholars. Any area of inquiry related to the Lab’s mission “to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds” is appropriate. Potential applicants are encouraged to learn more about the Cornell Lab and our formal programs in Bioacoustics, Bird Population Studies (avian ecology), Citizen Science, Conservation Science, Communication, Education, Evolutionary Biology, Information Science, Macaulay Library (animal behavior), Multimedia Productions, and Public Engagement in Science. Activities involving research and/or outreach spanning several of these areas are particularly encouraged, and therefore each postdoctoral scholar may be co-mentored by two senior Cornell scholars. Projects that foster links to people and units from across Cornell University are likewise welcome. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the most relevant faculty and staff at the Lab to brainstorm about areas of mutual interest and synergistic projects. We are especially interested in supporting the independent research of individuals who can bring new ideas, approaches, and connections to the Lab, while simultaneously leveraging our existing tools, data, and expertise in science, education, and communication.
Each Rose Postdoctoral opportunity spans up to 24 months via two consecutive year-long appointments at the Lab. Located at the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity in the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a vibrant unit within Cornell's University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. More than 200 faculty and staff work at the Lab within our 10 mission-driven programs. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work.
These appointments provide a competitive salary, Cornell health and other benefits, and funds to help support the Scholar’s research and other professional needs. Start dates are usually flexible within the year following the application. Interested applicants should visit the Annual Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition web site(www.birds.cornell.edu/postdoc) for more information about the overall Program and about the Rose Fellow selection process.
The application package consists of a cover letter, CV, two-page research proposal, pdfs of up to three representative publications, and names and contact information for three references. Applicants must have received their PhD before beginning their postdoctoral appointment at Cornell. Application materials should be sent as a single pdf file to the attention of Sue Taggart (SET2@cornell.edu). Applications for the multiple positions available in 2018 will be accepted until September 8, 2017. The selection committee is chaired by Dr. Irby Lovette (IJL2@cornell.edu), Fuller Professor of Ornithology and Associate Director for Academic Affairs at the Lab.
Edward W. Rose, known by family and friends as “Rusty,” joined the Lab’s Administrative Board in 1993 and served as its Chairman from 2004 to 2014. Rusty was a brilliant man who inspired everyone at the Lab, not only through his infectious laugh but even more by asking tough questions, expecting excellence, and seeking global impact. Rusty had a deep conservation ethos which he exemplified both in his own actions and through his support of the Cornell Lab and kindred institutions. He was among the Lab’s most enthusiastic promoters of early career scientists, and he always relished learning about their discoveries and accomplishments. Rusty passed away in January 2016, but his legacy endures in many contexts, including the Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship Program which brings together the Lab’s entire postdoctoral community. Through the generosity of Rusty and his wife Deedie, together with that of fellow board members Larry and Nancy Fuller, Russ and Carol Faucett, and Imogene Powers Johnson, the Lab shall award multiple Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowships annually.
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