Research Associate - Cornell SonicMEMS Laboratory

Position Description

Cornell University seeks applications for a Research Associate in Professor Amit Lal’s Cornell SonicMEMS Laboratory. This is a one-year full-time benefits-eligible position that may be extended for up to four more years depending on performance, continuation of funding, and continued eligibility to work in the United States.

The SonicMEMS Lab works on diverse topics aimed at transforming the way world can be viewed. Topics include: (1) Gigahertz Ultrasonic for chip-scale communications, sensing, and computation, (2) Pyroelectric-based high voltage generators for gas ionization and detection, (3) NEMS scale mechanically actuated hyperspectral computation with ferroelectric weight storage (4) Biomedical sensing with CMOS compatible gigahertz ultrasound pulse-echo arrays, (5) Tunneling sensors for low power RF detection, and (6) Ultrasonic and magnetically stabilized levitation for IMU sensor isolation.

Candidates will partner with Professor Lal in support of key strategic research initiatives and management of the research enterprise. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as a research partner, drive experiments towards proposal development, analyze data.
• Manage and track research milestones, project schedules, action items, and sponsor deliverables to ensure timely and successful completion.
• Produce manuscripts, reports, abstracts for conferences, grant proposals.
• Manage the operations of the research group from training new members, overseeing the maintenance of some key equipment and ordering of supplies.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have received a PhD with specialization in MEMS or a related science field.
• Demonstrate quantitative/qualitative research skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work independently and with collaborators. A track record of original first-author publications or conference proceedings from doctoral work is desirable.
• Have at least three years of experience in proposal writing and demonstrated success in obtaining awards.
• Travel independently or with team members to PI meetings, conferences, sponsor reviews, and other events as needed to support ongoing projects and future research opportunities.
• Contribute to and lead research proposal development in collaboration with faculty, industry partners, and other stakeholders to secure funding and expand the research program.

Salary and benefits: Salary range $50,900-$95,900. How to apply and what to submit: The anticipated starting date is January 18, 2027 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) copies of three relevant publications, and 6) names and contact information for three references. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33271. Applications received by November 30, 2026 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to: Professor Amit Lal, amit.lal@cornell.edu

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointment to academic positions requires 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.

Pay Range: $50,900-$95,900.
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

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions 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, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

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

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.