Postdoctoral Associate in Dairy Science or Veterinary Medicine

Postdoctoral Associate in Dairy Science or Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Wolfgang Heuwieser’s Laboratory

Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences

College of Veterinary Medicine

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

The laboratory of Dr. Wolfgang Heuwieser, in Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS) within the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate candidates. The successful candidate will work on projects focusing on the optimization of the milking process in dairy cows.

The focus of this applied program is the impact of milking technicians on udder health. We aim to support science-based development and on-farm implementation of innovative technologies and milking routines. Emphasis is given to monitoring (through traditional and AI based tools) and engaging employees. Training modules will be used to stimulate behavior changes towards best practice standards to improve udder health and animal welfare. This is a collaborative project involving the QMPS group, producers and dairy farm employees.

The successful candidate will design and implement research projects related to factors and human behaviors that might affect the milk harvesting process and udder health on dairy farms. Also, innovative online training modules for dairy employees considering diverse backgrounds will be developed and studied.

Most of the effort will be spent on developing science-based and contextual assessment and training strategies, monitoring relevant outcomes, and associated data collection and analysis. A data-driven approach will be implemented to conduct sound research on monitoring and development of dairy employees and the impact on optimizing the milking process and udder health on dairy farms.

The candidate will design, coordinate, and perform field studies and prepare manuscripts for high impact scientific journals and will have opportunities to present and publish scholarly work at local, national, and international venues. This position will work closely with faculty in the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture (CIDA) and is available immediately.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in dairy cattle research, including milking management, milker training, data collection and analysis, and effective presentation/publication of research findings. A DVM or post-graduate degree (PhD or equivalent) in veterinary, animal, biological science or related field is required.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is recognized internationally as a leader in public health, biomedical research, animal medicine, and veterinary medical education. Ranked consistently as one of the best veterinary colleges in the nation, the College's strength is due to its strategic breadth of focus areas and its depth of expertise in each of those areas; the achievements of its faculty, staff, alumni, and students; and its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Postdoctoral Associates receive competitive salaries according to the Cornell University Postdoctoral Associate stipend system which follows the National Institutes of Health Fellowship and Training Stipend Levels. Start date is negotiable; the position has an initial duration of one-year with potential extension based on performance, productivity, and funding.

The position will require some work with cattle at the dairy units of Cornell University and commercial dairy farms in upstate New York. Ideally, the candidate should feel comfortable conducting basic handling work with dairy cows in a farm setting and communicating with dairy employees. The ideal candidate will enjoy working and communicating with a multi-disciplinary team of academics, clinical experts, and students at Cornell University.

This position will require a passion for continuing education, online training and attention to detail, leadership abilities, and problem-solving skills. Strong interest in state-of-the-art technologies (AI, online training), aspects of the scientific study process is required, and possibilities exist at Cornell University to pursue further training in research, teaching, and communication skills. Previous experience with standard laboratory methods is not necessary. Candidates must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively in our team, as well as a willingness to learn new methods and techniques as the projects evolve. The successful candidate will work on this project together with other members of the QMPS group, the 3 regional QMPS labs as well as collaborate with personnel across Cornell University and beyond.

Pay Range:

$56,484.00 - $80,000.00

Informal inquiries regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Wolfgang Heuwieser ([email protected] ). To apply visit https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27408 and submit a cover letter describing your background, interests and career goals, full curriculum vitae, and contact information of three professional references. Applications will be reviewed as received, and the position will remain open until filled.

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 - $80,000.00

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.

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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.

2023-12-21