Postdoctoral associate in the epidemiology of climate-related hazards

About the role

The Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell University is seeking applications for one full-time, Contract College benefit-eligible postdoctoral associate with a one-year appointment. We conduct transdisciplinary research, co-designed with public health practitioners and policymakers, on the epidemiology of heat, wildfire smoke, cold, and other climate-related hazards; how social vulnerability and resilience shape health outcomes from these hazards; and strategies to mitigate their public health impacts. Our overarching goal is to move along the research-to-impact pathway to answer research questions related to weather-related hazards to help communities nationwide. The postdoctoral associate will apply statistical and epidemiological models to examine the mortality impacts of climate-related hazards and will translate results for policymakers and practitioners. Immediate priorities include a series of case-crossover analyses of wildfire smoke and heat in the United States using National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) mortality data. The candidate will be mentored by Drs. Noele Nelson, Corinna Noel, and Alistair Hayden, who will support the development of independent, grant-funded research aligned with the lab's mission. This position will be based in Ithaca, NY.

Responsibilities

• Conduct epidemiological and statistical analyses of large complex datasets
• Develop final publishable-quality tables and figures for inclusion in research manuscripts
• Write and clearly document research code to clean, maintain, and analyze datasets
• Manage data-related aspects of research projects
• Lead the development of research manuscripts
• Assist with the development of grant applications
• The postdoctoral associate may mentor students in the research group and will work with collaborators at other institutions (nationally and internationally)

Qualifications

• PhD in Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Health, or related computational field
• Demonstrated experience in epidemiological methods, preferably using national mortality datasets and/or case-crossover analyses
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: statistical analysis of large data sets, machine learning, data visualization, and a high level of independence with a publication record to support these skills
• Excellent written and communication skills, including scientific writing
• Experience in the management of research, scientific, or academic projects
• Experience in writing research code in collaborative settings using languages such as R and Python
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team
• Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, and meticulous and consistent follow through on projects
• Able to obtain Census Bureau’s Sworn Security Status security clearance, including any citizenship and residency requirements
• Willingness to be based in Ithaca, NY

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Open Science practices, particularly Registered Reports
• Experience with climate-related and/or National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) mortality data
• Experience incorporating measures of social vulnerability into epidemiological analyses
• Existing Sworn Security Status security clearance

Pay

Salary Range: $63,480 - $65,000

Benefits

This position is eligible for Contract college benefits.