Director, Cornell Energy Systems Institute

The College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca Campus, invites applications for the Croll Professorship and Director of the Cornell Energy Systems Institute (CESI) from distinguished scholars with a vision for transforming global energy systems. The CESI is the College of Engineering nexus for energy systems and technology research across disciplines. The College of Engineering at Cornell University is a premier institution of applied science and technology research and education, including in several areas of energy-related research and development. The successful applicant is expected to be a distinguished leader with a strong record of research and a compelling vision for the CESI as a world-class center for energy innovation. In addition to all CESI research facilities, the successful candidate can expect to benefit from the use of such Cornell research facilities as CHESS (Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source) CCMR (Cornell Center for Materials Research) and CNF (Cornell Nanofabrication Facility) and from collaboration with many faculty experts in such areas as Advanced Manufacturing (“3D Printing”) and advanced electromagnetics (metamaterials) and the Lab of Plasma Studies (LPS). In addition, the new Director will benefit from an existing partnership with Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, the Cornell hub for broadly interdisciplinary research in sustainability (atkinson.cornell.edu) . The successful candidate can expect a competitive level of support for the growth and development of the CESI. For additional information about the position, please contact CESI_search@cornell.edu 

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in a relevant energy-related field and an outstanding record of research, education, and service as appropriate to a full Professor appointment in a relevant home department at Cornell. Experimentalists, theorists and computationalists are all welcome to apply. A broad background is desirable, including experience with areas of sustainable energy generation, conversion, storage, transmission/distribution, and/or recovery systems. Doctorates can be in chemical and biomolecular engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or another technical field that is consistent with a tenured appointment in a College of Engineering department at Cornell. 

 There is an expectation that the successful applicant will be willing and able to teach courses in the College and will have demonstrated promise for excellence in the classroom. Candidates with an established record of raising funds for interdisciplinary center-scale initiatives, and with an interest in advancing outreach efforts to industry and foundations to enable research, teaching, and service are of particular interest. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

The College of Engineering is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to the diversity of the academic community and to creating a climate that attracts students of all races, genders and nationalities. Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage and we especially encourage applications by members of underrepresented groups in science and engineering. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian Reservations.  

To apply: Application materials must be submitted by March 15, 2022 at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20942.

Interested applicants should visit and submit a curriculum vitae, a research statement, a teaching statement, a statement on outreach, diversity, inclusion, and leadership, and complete contact information for at least 3 references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

For more information regarding the Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, please visit: https://facultydevelopment.cornell.edu/department-resources/recruitment/contribution-to-diversity/

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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League 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 University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Effective January 1, 2022, all new Cornell hires, regardless of role and work location, must be fully vaccinated and present proof of an FDA- or WHO- authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccination or have a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption. Failure to demonstrate compliance with this requirement prior to the first day of work will result in the delay of employment with Cornell and may result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

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CESI Postdoctoral Fellowship

2023 Request for Proposals

The CESI Postdoctoral Fellows is designed to attract the best and brightest young researchers in energy science, engineering, and materials to Cornell. The goal is to create a cohort of independent scholars pursuing frontier research in energy. Fellows will work in partnership with Cornell faculty sponsors on projects consistent with the CESI mission.

The mission of the Cornell Energy Systems Institute (CESI) is to “Make smart energy systems with low carbon footprint the norm through innovations in materials, technology, and systems design.” In pursuit of this mission, the Institute supports an ambitious agenda spanning discovery research to technology translation and systems integration. The goal is to catalyze the frontier research on materials, devices, data analytics and algorithms, and intelligent systems architectures required to lower cost, improve performance, and reduce the carbon footprint of energy systems. The Institute also serves as a hub for subject matter experts, programs, and multi-user facilities that translate energy-focused research discoveries to prototypes and prototypes to commercial practice.  While CESI is interested in proposals in all areas of energy systems and technology research, currently there is particular interest in the following areas:

Carbon Capture, Sequestration and Reuse: Approaches involving the design of novel material systems, and molecular and/or process systems design and engineering that integrate electrochemical, chemical and microbial pathways for CO₂ capture and utilization are highly encouraged. Candidates should have an interest in advancing the molecular-scale basis underlying carbon transformations by harnessing novel experimental methods and modeling approaches. Nature- or earth-inspired and unconventional approaches that aid in the design of energetically or atomistically favorable pathways for the reactive separation, directed synthesis of novel and high value products, or environmentally benign use and storage of CO₂ from point source emissions and distributed sources (e.g., direct air or ocean capture) are of interest. Synergistic integration of nature- and engineered strategies for carbon removal are encouraged, for example the use of systems biology to leverage natural microbial communities to accelerate natural CO₂ mineralization.

Energy Generation, Distribution, Buildings and System Integration: The very nature of our electric power generation system is evolving; replacement of fossil-based sources with renewables, rapid growth of distributed energy\resources and storage, and the growth in consumer participation in load flexibility (e.g., grid-interactive efficient buildings) and peer-to-peer trading programs. Our ability to meet changing needs for electric power under increasing renewable penetration and wide-spread electrification (notably both the transportation and the heating sectors) is contingent optimal investment and operations. Candidates in this area should have specific interest in modeling and optimization of complex networks (including, but not limited to, power systems, building systems, transactive energy systems) under uncertainty, and the sociotechnical challenges of large-scale infrastructure transitions.

Electrified and Sustainable Transportation: Energy efficiency in transportation from broad modeling perspectives including approaches that would foster broad adoption of electrification of vehicles. Candidates with specific interest in the design and control of coordinated electric vehicle charging or optimal deadline scheduling of residential charging are encouraged. Candidates could also be interested in using systems modeling approaches to the socio-technical transition to sustainable transportation that can produce optimal, flattened loads that would improve reliability of the power system as well as reduce system costs and emissions. Candidates with interest in power electronic hardware modeling, design and development for electrified transportation applications, such as onboard and fast wired charging and stationary and dynamic wireless charging, are also encouraged to apply. 

Materials for Renewable Energy Applications: Transformational ways in how we more efficiently, cheaply and sustainably generate, store and transport energy require continued innovations for new materials and devices. Join world-leading research efforts in discovering and developing a wide range of energy-related materials, such as photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, advanced battery materials and catalysts, membranes and supports for mobile fuel cells. Research is also conducted on materials processing that minimizes environmental impact.

Program Structure 

·       The CESI Fellowships are two-year appointments and provide up to 50% of the cost associated with sponsoring a postdoctoral scientist at Cornell, with the faculty advisors providing the other 50%. 

·       Two to three fellowships will be awarded for a two-year period beginning in 2023. The start date will be between January and August 2023. This is flexible and based on agreement between the candidate’s advisors and CESI 

·       The fellowships carry a salary of $58,000 per year, full Cornell University employee benefits, and $5,000 per year for research- and travel-related expenses

·       The fellowship term is two years. The second year is contingent on performance and mutual agreement between the fellow, the advisor, and CESI 

·       Postdoctoral fellows can spend variable portions of their fellowship period at Cornell, in other relevant facilities, or in the field as dictated by their research. 

·       All fellows will have access to Cornell’s Office of Postdoctoral Studies, which provides career services, including CV and resume writing, interview preparation, workshops designed specifically for postdocs including a postdoc leadership program, and social activities. 

·       The fellow’s appointment will be in CESI

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed in a competitive process designed to evaluate qualifications, the quality and originality of the proposed research, and the potential of the work to facilitate new research collaborations among CESI faculty. Applicants should not already be in a targeted research group at Cornell. Successful applications must have at least two Cornell faculty sponsors, at least one of whom should be an active CESI faculty member (see https://energy.cornell.edu). Successful applicants should also have a demonstrated record of research excellence evidenced by external metrics appropriate for their field, such as high-impact publications, awards, patents, and invited talks at international meetings.

All fellows agree to include the CESI byline on all publications and presentations during their appointment.

CESI Fellows will also receive lifetime memberships in the Society of Cornell Fellows, along with the participants in other named prestigious and competitively awarded Cornell postdoctoral fellowships. 

Program Timeline

  

Full Application: Required Application Materials: 

1.  Introduction – short summary of the application (maximum 1 page)

2. Personal Statement that includes a brief description of the applicant’s PhD research project and a discussion of the applicant’s career goals. (maximum 1 page)

3. Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications and presentations. (maximum 2 pages)

4. Research Statement which should explicitly address the relationship between the proposed work and CESI research mission. The proposal should also list the names, email address, and affiliation of the Cornell faculty sponsors. (maximum 2 pages)

5. Letters of support from Cornell sponsors. A single letter co-signed by multiple sponsors is acceptable. (maximum 1 page per letter)

6.  Reference Letters: At least one (e.g., from thesis advisor, collaborators).

Application materials must be submitted online at Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22766