Merlin Datasets Coordinator

Join Our Team as the Merlin Datasets Coordinator for the Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University!

If you're eager to make an impact and be part of a dynamic team, then we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us!

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at 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.

About The Department

About the Opportunity

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a dedicated Merlin Datasets Coordinator to join the Macaulay Library team. This role focuses on enabling regional expansion and improving the performance of Merlin's machine learning models, particularly the Merlin Sound ID and Photo ID features in the app. You will work collaboratively with a team of machine learning researchers, production engineers, outreach specialists, and project managers to incorporate cutting-edge research advances into production software for the community. Your work will shape the integration of Merlin's models into the Merlin app, eBird tool suite, and future software and hardware applications.

What We Need

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, information science, or related field and 2+ years' experience or equivalent combination working across cultures in conservation, ornithology, or related field.
• Deep understanding of birds and the birding community is required.
• Knowledge of birds of the world, including advanced field identification skills by sight and sound of thousands of species of birds, ability to identify birds to age/sex and subspecies, understanding of geographic variation, migration, bird behavior, and avian taxonomy.
• Experience watching birds and working on projects to advance birdwatching and bird conservation.
• Project management skills to coordinate multiple groups working towards the same deliverable and timeline for public launch.
• Extensive experience using and contributing data to eBird, Merlin, and the Macaulay Library.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop trust with external collaborators and encourage participation in projects.
• Strong communication skills to clearly articulate vision and plans, and provide instruction effectively to all levels of management, staff, new partners, funding agencies, project participants, and visitors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management and staff internally and externally.
• Provide high level of initiative to anticipate needs of the project and fulfill project objectives with very minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel to remote field locations when necessary.
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport and driver's license.

Preferably, the successful candidate will also have the following:

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working software development teams and/or research groups managing large datasets.
• Technical project management skills.
• Experience with SQL, Python, and/or R data analysis tools.
• Basic graphic design skills.
• Fluency in Spanish to communicate with communities in Latin America.
• Familiarity with software development and testing processes.

If you are passionate about birds, conservation, and scientific discovery, we encourage you to apply!

This position is located at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY. This position can be hybrid remote work. The specifics of this arrangement will be reviewed with you when you begin the position, and the University must approve of the desired remote work location.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

How to Apply:

You must submit both a Resume and Cover letter.

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.

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.

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.