Extension Associate

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 The Director of the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a nationally recognized laboratory dedicated to advancing comprehensive soil health assessment, research, and outreach. Building on the Laboratory's mission to deliver integrated measurements of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to support sustainable land management, the Director guides the development and implementation of innovative laboratory protocols and analytical services, manages high-throughput soil testing operations, and guides the continued development and expansion of the Cornell Assessment of Soil Health framework. The role integrates administration, applied research, and extension by supervising staff, coordinating multi-site laboratory activities, fostering collaborations with Cornell faculty and external partners, and communicating actionable soil health insights through workshops, publications, and field engagement. The Director will integrate with the broader soil health ecosystem at Cornell, including research, teaching, and extension programs. The Director also drives continuous improvement of analytical offerings, oversees program finances and client services, and contributes to education and training that translates soil health science into practice for agricultural and environmental stakeholders. This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY. Anticipated Division of Time Program Leadership & Laboratory Operations (60%) : Provide overall direction and management of the Soil Health Laboratory, including oversight of daily operations, supervision of technical staff, coordination of sample processing workflows, and ensuring efficient high-throughput delivery of soil health assessments. Strategic Program Development & Administration (20%): Oversee program growth, including budgeting, pricing structures, client services, and long-term planning to sustain and expand the laboratory's impact and service capacity. Analytical Development & Research Integration (10%): Guide development and refinement of soil health metrics, methodologies, and new analytical offerings within the Cornell Soil Health Assessment framework, while collaborating with faculty and researchers to advance soil health science. Education & Training (10%): Contribute to formal and informal education through teaching, training, and outreach in soil health methods. Audiences include Cornell staff, students, and stakeholders. Topics of instruction and outreach will include experiential learning related to soil health measurement, soil management, and soil health testing. Requirements The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science or a related discipline, with strong experience related to the measurement of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes. The candidate will have experience with laboratory methodologies, analytical protocols, and quality assurance systems. The successful candidate will have strong project management and organizational skills. Other desirable competencies include: Expertise in soil health assessment methods and interpretation Experience managing laboratory operations and/or high-throughput testing systems Demonstrated ability to supervise technical personnel Experience managing program finances, budget development, fiscal planning, and resource allocation Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, researchers, and external partners Familiarity with laboratory information systems and operational workflows Supervision Exercised The Director will supervise a team of technicians and research support specialists. Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. For full consideration submit before December 7, 2026. Consistent with Cornell's practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct. CALS hiring range for this title is $102,000 - $110,000. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Life. Changing. 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. Employment Assistance: Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 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 (VEVRRA) 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. 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 unless otherwise noted) Unique applicable skills. Pay Range: Refer to Posting Language 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 Unique applicable skills. Employment Assistance: Notice to Applicants: 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. 2026-10-27