Research Support Specialist II (Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences); Ithaca, New York

   

Research Support Specialist II

Band F - Exempt
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

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.

The mission of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) is to advance knowledge of Earth's natural systems and history, and to develop future leaders. EAS is a global leader in research directed toward understanding the fundamental processes that have shaped our planet. The greatest challenges of the 21st century – climate change, energy, soil degradation, fresh water scarcity, natural disasters, and mineral resource depletion – are all rooted in humanity’s relationship with Earth.

The Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC) is one of six federal centers that disseminates climate data, data products, and decision tools to regional stakeholders and is on the forefront of developing online data dissemination systems that are in use nationally. Increasingly, these systems are being tailored to address issues related to climate change adaptation.

What You Will Do

You will develop quality control procedures for climatological data as well as code web platforms for disseminating climate data products to stakeholders. One of the project’s focuses is to explore future changes in extreme precipitation occurrence. The outcomes will inform New York City’s climate change adaptation and resiliency planning.  The other will explore drought vulnerability in the state with specific work to develop forecast methods for streamflow, groundwater, and soil moisture, ideally using machine learning techniques. Other duties include:

• Developing manuscripts reporting research results in peer-reviewed literature.

• Participating in computer database design, utilization and research/data analysis, and suggesting future improvements in data measurement.

• Consulting with researchers to refine and/or adapt methodologies to fit specific research requirements.

• Managing large gridded data sets from multiple sources with the ability to efficiently store and access these data from cloud-based services.

• Analyzing and interpreting quantitative data.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders. We need someone who has a strong interest in climate change research and disseminating information to the Northeast. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science or related field and 3+ years of relevant experience in working with large gridded climatological datasets, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint). 

• Proficiency in Python or other data analysis software.

• Familiarity with federal and regional climate data sources

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to pursue research independently and as part of a team.

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

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:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in atmospheric science or related field.

• Experience with machine learning methods and software.

• Ability and desire to create clear and compelling visualizations.

• Ability to convey complex results and methodologies to a lay audience.

This position is full-time and will be located in Ithaca, New York. 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, and sustainability initiatives.

• You can also view additional information regarding job competencies and staff skills for success.

• 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.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.  ​

When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume/CV and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.

   

University Job Title:

Research Support Spec II

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

F

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$72,209.00 - $77,625.00

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Janet Camilli

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

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• 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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2025-07-11