Senior Research Associate, Cornell University
We seek an individual with the ability to develop and lead a strong research program in fish ecology and fisheries management with funding from NYSDEC. The incumbent will conduct research on issues associated with warmwater fisheries management in New York State, with a focus on Oneida Lake. This collaboration between NYSDEC and CBFS started under Dr. John Forney and has used both traditional fisheries management tools and an ecosystem approach for 70 years. Studies on Oneida Lake have resulted in one of the best long-term data series on fish and fisheries in North America, which offers numerous opportunities for understanding fish and fisheries in a changing world.
The Sr. Research Associate will be expected to work with NYSDEC fisheries managers and with scientists at Cornell to develop and conduct research projects on Oneida Lake and potentially other fisheries across New York State and contribute to scientific-based management of New York’s warmwater fisheries resources. New York State is a water-rich state with a variety of inland lakes and rivers from deep Finger Lakes to small ponds. The position requires frequent interactions with NYSDEC fisheries managers, including participation in working groups, field activities, analysis of fisheries data and technical consultation. Duties include working with the PI and CBFS Director (Lars Rudstam until July 1, 2026, Olaf Jensen thereafter) to co-lead the NYSDEC-funded warmwater fisheries research grant, being the primary contact between NYSDEC fisheries and CBFS, and supervising field and laboratory personnel working on NYSDEC-funded projects at CBFS. The incumbent is responsible for reports and white papers requested by the granting agency (NYSDEC), is expected to contribute to the peer-reviewed literature on fisheries and aquatic science, and to the development of future grant applications.
Term of position
This is a full-time position located at the Cornell Biological Field Station by Oneida Lake in Bridgeport, NY. The initial appointment term is for one year and is renewable depending on available work, funding and satisfactory performance. Frequent travel to the Cornell Ithaca campus to participate in departmental, college and university activities, and supervise graduate students is expected.
Anticipated Division of Time
Research 80%
Outreach/Service 20%
- Posted: January 14, 2026
- Job Type: Staff
- Organization: Cornell University
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in fish ecology, fisheries management, or aquatic ecology. In-depth knowledge of freshwater fisheries management. Demonstrated ability to design research, interpret data, and write grants, reports and articles in the peer-reviewed literature. Ability to effectively interact and communicate with academics, management agencies (especially NYSDEC), and the public. Candidates who possess a desire to work with a natural resource agency on management related research, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills and using a team-oriented approach are most likely to succeed in this position. A valid driver’s license in required and registration with Agile/Fleet Commander. Preferred Qualifications Two or more years’ experience supervising field and laboratory personnel. Experience working with: · fisheries management agencies. · quantitative fisheries methods · database management and/or analysis of large data sets · various field sampling methods. · food web ecology and modeling
- How to apply: Apply on website.
- Location: Bridgeport, New York
- Web address: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31352
Contact Information
Lars Gosta Rudstam
lgr1@cornell.edu