Post Doctoral Associate

This is a full-time, exempt, fully-benefited position with a one-year initial appointment, renewable for a second year based on performance and funding. Starting salary is $74,263 commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate who will lead and support research in forest ecology in urban social-ecological systems. The role includes participation in ongoing projects focused on climate and urbanization impacts on afforestation and reforestation, including the long-term Million Trees NYC Experimental Research project and long-term data from the Cary Institute field sites. There are numerous opportunities for the postdoc to engage in ongoing research in urban systems using ecological, interdisciplinary, and/or participatory methods and to develop independent research initiatives exploring questions at the intersection of forest ecology and urban ecology.

The position is based at the Cary Institute in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York, a short way north of New York City. The Cary Institute is home to a diverse, vibrant, and supportive community of colleagues. While the preferred location is Millbrook, NY, hybrid or remote arrangements will be considered for exceptional candidates. The anticipated start date is on or around September 1, 2026.

Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Cook at the Cary Institute.

Essential responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute scientific research related to forest and urban ecology in collaboration with the research team.
• Present research findings in peer-reviewed papers, at scientific meetings, and in other forums.
• Develop and lead independent research that complements ongoing lab projects
• Mentor undergraduate or graduate interns and other collaborators in the lab
• Assist in writing grant proposals and seeking research funding
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and initiatives across the Cary Institute community

Required qualifications

• Expertise in forest ecology and/or interdisciplinary urban system science.
• Excellent quantitative skills, including experience working with long-term data, modeling, and statistical analyses.
• Proven experience in field research in forested and urban ecosystems.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong record of publishing peer-reviewed research.
• Self-motivated and collaborative, with the ability to thrive working alone or with a team.
• The successful applicant must have completed a PhD in a relevant field before the start date of this position. ****

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in urban ecosystems
• Prior experience working with qualitative data and social science research
• Experience developing data visualizations or interactive tools for science communication with general audiences
• Experience engaging with practitioners, land managers, municipal agencies, community-based organizations, and other collaborators outside of academia

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with climate change and urbanization impacts on forested ecosystems
• Ability to manager field crews.
• Ability to work in inter and trans-disciplinary scientific teams

Working conditions

• Full-time, Exempt, fully benefitted position.
• Occasional travel for field work or meetings is required.
• Ability to work outdoors, standing, walking and carrying heavy field equipment, for extended periods in various weather conditions.
• May require computer work for 7 hours or more a day.

Closing date

Review of applications will begin 20 April 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

To Apply:

Visit our website at https://www.caryinstitute.org/about/careers-cary and complete our online job application. Please submit one document that includes a cover letter, resume and the names and full contact information (including e-mail address) for three professional references.
The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.