College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

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.

Position Function

Antimicrobial peptides are ubiquitous in animals and plants and are particularly abundant in barrier epithelia where they protect against opportunistic bacterial infection. AMPs are the major mechanism for antibacterial immune defense in adult D. melanogaster and other insects.

This project will examine the varied roles of distinct D. melanogaster AMPs in fighting a spectrum of bacterial infections, using evolutionary and functional genetic approaches in combination with cell biology and protein biochemistry.

We are particularly looking for scientists with expertise and/or interest in any of the following areas:

• Genetics-based experiments to determine the roles of particular Drosophila AMPs in fighting distinct infections.
• Protein biochemistry and manipulation to probe AMP function.
• Microbiological assay of AMP effects on diverse bacteria, and bacterial responses to those AMPs.
• Quantitative genetic analysis of AMP allelic variation in natural populations.
• Molecular evolutionary and population genetic analysis of AMPs in D. melanogaster and across the genus Drosophila.

Anticipated Division of Time

• 85% – Conduct independent research, including design and execution of experiments, analysis of results, and preparation of findings for publication.
• 10% – Contribute to laboratory maintenance and community.
• 5% – Other, as needed.

Requirements

Required

• Ph.D. in Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years research experience in relevant discipline.

Preferred

• Strong publication record demonstrating research independence and capacity to bring projects to completion.

Driving is not a requirement.

Supervision Exercised

No supervision required, although oversight of undergraduate students in directed research is an available option.

How to Apply

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online:

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32170

Qualified candidates should submit:

• Short cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

Salary

CALS hiring rate for this title: $63,480

Pay Range

$62,232.00 – $88,745.00

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.
• Unique applicable skills.

About the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

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 Office of Civil Rights at:

• Voice: (607) 255-2242
• Email: accommodations@cornell.edu

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit their local library or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment at the Ithaca campus by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants

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

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.”

No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Posting Date: 2026-06-17