Job Opportunities

Noise Analysis Programmer

The Bioacoustics Research Program (BRP) at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Lab) integrates the fields of behavioral biology, software engineering, and electrical engineering to answer questions regarding animal acoustic communication and to use sound as a means of monitoring populations of threatened and endangered species.

• · Develop, implement and maintain MATLAB applications to support noise analysis (70% of projects) and acoustic signal processing (30% of projects).
• · Increase efficiency and accuracy of processing large acoustical data sets for acoustic signal processing and noise analysis.
• · Contribute to defining system level architectures and system requirements.
• · Support software configuration management and processes.
• · Collect and analyze test data to validate system performance.
• · Execute MATLAB applications on collected data sets, providing research analysts with materials for ambient sound analyses.
• · Develop processes and user interfaces to meet data visualization specifications provided by researchers.
• · Support and troubleshoot software as requested by users.
• · Prepare software documentation for users and other developers.
• · Maintain project status and communicate status routinely or as requested.
• · Prepare and present technical briefings to customers and senior scientists.
• · Participate in project meetings as requested.
• · Provide technical input for white papers, proposals, technical reports, and publications.

Required Qualifications:

• · Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, math or physics, with 3-5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• · Strong background in structured programming and software engineering.
• · Must be skilled in MATLAB.
• · Must have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to nontechnical personnel and end-users.
• · Demonstrable skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and written and oral communication.
• · Must be able to work independently and as part of a team while meeting tight deadlines.
• · Ability to help establish realistic goals and deliver work on schedule.
• · Personable demeanor with the ability to interact with a variety of different audiences.
• · Ability to work well with others while creating a high quality and respectful work environment.
• · Must be comfortable working in a dynamic environment where change in process is the norm.

• · Master's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, math or physics.
• · 7 years related job experience.
• · Experience writing and presenting scientific results.
• · Experience in pattern recognition, linear and nonlinear optimization, signal processing, data compression, and/or applied linear algebra beneficial.
• · Experience programming with the following MATLAB features a plus: graphical user interfaces, object oriented concepts, memory mapping utilities, event handling, and database.

Signal Processing Programmer

The Bioacoustics Research Program (BRP) at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Lab) integrates the fields of behavioral biology, software engineering, and electrical engineering to answer questions regarding animal acoustic communication and to use sound as a means of monitoring populations of threatened and endangered species.

The Bioacoustics Research Program at the Lab is currently seeking a Signal Processing Programmer. Duties include:

• · Work on a team to develop models for acoustic detection and classification of marine mammals and other animals of interest to BRP.
• · Develop, implement, and maintain MATLAB applications to support digital signal processing, machine learning applications and passive acoustic signal detection algorithm development.
• · Increase efficiency and accuracy of processing large acoustical data sets for signal processing and detection analysis.
• · Contribute to defining system level architectures and system requirements.
• · Support software configuration management and processes.
• · Collect and analyze test data to validate system performance.
• · Develop new technologies for data mining acoustic datasets, including developing prototype code using MATLAB or R and converting these to systemized applications, via C/C++.
• · Maintain project status and communicate status routinely or as requested.
• · Prepare and present technical briefings to customers and senior scientists.
• · Participate in project meetings as requested.
• · Provide technical input for white papers, proposals, technical reports, and publications.

Required Qualifications:

• · Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, math or physics, with 3-5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• · Strong background in structured programming and software engineering.
• · Must be skilled in Windows and MATLAB.
• · Must have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to nontechnical personnel and end-users.
• · Demonstrable skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and written and oral communication.
• · Must be able to work independently and as part of a team while meeting tight deadlines.
• · Ability to help establish realistic goals and deliver work on schedule.
• · Personable demeanor with the ability to interact with a variety of different audiences.
• · Ability to work well with others while creating a high quality and respectful work environment.
• · Must be comfortable working in a dynamic environment where change in process is the norm.

• · Master's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, math or physics.
• · 7 years related job experience.
• · Knowledge of, or ability to learn the following: Linux, R, C/C++, JAVA.
• · Experience writing and presenting scientific results.
• · Experience in pattern recognition, linear and nonlinear optimization, signal processing, data compression, and/or applied linear algebra beneficial.
• · Knowledge of automatic speech recognition software techniques and methods also a plus.
• · Experience programming with the following MATLAB features a plus: graphical user interfaces, object oriented concepts, memory mapping utilities, event handling, and database.

Research Internships

Research Assistant, Bird-of-Paradise Behavior

The Australo-papuan birds-of-paradise (Paradisaeidae) are one of the most remarkable examples of sexually selected biodiversity in the world. Work with research scientists and curatorial staff in the Biodiversity Video Archive in the Macaulay Library to annotate and analyze the most comprehensive collection of bird-of-paradise video footage in the world. We are looking for enthusiastic research assistants to help us with a long-term comparative study of courtship display behavior and evolution in this extraordinary group of birds. The position involves using computer video software to analyze and describe components of courtship display in different species, using the Macaulay Library's searchable online catalog and data entry software to proof, edit, and annotate video specimen data records, and assisting video archival staff with curatorial tasks related to digital video specimen preparation and long-term preservation. Basic computer and organizational skills required. Strong attention to detail desired. A background in comparative biology, animal behavior, and ornithology preferable. Experience with video editing software is desirable but not required. Work hours are flexible. Volunteer internships, course credit, and work-study opportunities. Transportation from campus to the Lab of Ornithology available. To apply, send an email outlining your interests and experience to Edwin Scholes [es269@cornell.edu].

Programmer: Dynamic Tools for Exploring Data, Science, and Nature

Build dynamic tools to enable the general public to learn about birds, science, and nature. Develop new apps to make our rich data sources more mobile, interactive, or broadly accessible. Possibilities include but are not limited to developing 1) a mobile-optimized version of our popular Online Bird Guide; 2) data-entry and exploration capability for our eBird sightings database on handheld devices; 3) apps to search for and play natural sounds and video from our Macaulay Library archives; 4) a searchable, database-driven version of our extensive bird FAQ content; 5) customized, user-specified bird lists pulled from our eBird database and integrated in our Online Bird Guide. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers some of the world’s most highly regarded databases containing citizen-science data and nature multimedia, as well as comprehensive online information on birds. Our Webby Award-winning All About Birds website receives 500,000 unique visitors per month; bird watchers enter more than 1 million bird observations at eBird, which also offers real-time visualization tools for exploring the data; and our Macaulay Library houses the world’s largest archive of animal sounds and video, with more than 100,000 audio and 40,000 video clips. Qualifications: Strong skills in one or more web programming languages such as Java, ASP.net, php, javascript/jquery, etc. Working knowledge in HTML/CSS. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Alex Chang [ac656@cornell.edu].

Volunteer Research Intern, Incubation Behavior

A volunteer intern is needed at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology during the academic year to assist in the analysis of incubation behavior of bluebirds. The position involves using several software tools to process and summarize the details of female incubation behavior as recorded by temperature probes that were placed in birds' nests across the country. The work requires attention to detail and decision-making initiative. Rides on a direct shuttle van between Corson Mudd and Sapsucker Woods will be available to interns. Interns may use this project to develop their own undergraduate research project for credit (BIO 299 or 499). Basic computer skills, advanced organizational abilities (i.e., working with linked computer files in organized subdirectories), and experience with MS Excel are required. Familiarity with bioacoustics software is advantageous. Send an email message expressing your interest and including contact information of two references to Caren Cooper [cbc25 cornell.edu].

Technical/Curatorial Internships

Curatorial Assistant, Biodiversity Video Archive

Interested in birds, biodiversity, and animal behavior? Find satisfaction in organizing things and maintaining good records? Do you have experience working with digital video? Would you enjoy reviewing video clips to identifying animals and annotating animal behavior? If so, then you might like to join the biodiversity video curatorial team in the Cornell Lab’s Macaulay Library. As a natural science collection of video recordings documenting animal behavior and biodiversity, we are looking for motivated individuals eager to learn about and help curate our unique video archive. Opportunities include assisting curatorial staff to organize, store and preserve videotape, film, DVDs, and data records; reviewing metadata for video specimens using our online catalog and data entry tools; assisting with the preparation of new materials for accessioning into the archive; learning technical aspects of video editing and archival by digitally capturing videotape for long-term preservation; helping prepare video specimens by using computer editing software to scan raw footage to parse out individual clips; reviewing clips to identify birds, mammals, fish, herps, insects and invertebrates; and using mapping tools to "geo-reference" video specimens. Basic computer and organizational skills required. Strong attention to detail desired. A background in biology, especially animal behavior and/or ornithology, is a plus. Demonstrated ability to use field guides and other resources to identify birds and/or other animals, and/or experience with video editing software is desirable but not required. Work hours are flexible. Volunteer internships, course credit, and work-study opportunities. Transportation from campus to the Lab of Ornithology available. To apply, send an email outlining your interests and experience to Edwin Scholes [es269@cornell.edu].

Curatorial Assistant, Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates

The Museum of Vertebrates is Cornell's "stuffed animal" collection, and offers the perfect place to learn about the natural history of the vertebrate group of your choice, whether bird, mammal, fish, or reptile. Learn about the behind-the-scenes nuts-and-bolts of a functioning scientific collection as you help us prepare and care for specimens and develop our collection. We offer a wide variety of experiences, including identifying, preparing, cataloging, installing, and reorganizing specimens, doing background research, organizing inventory, managing our digital catalog, creating publication lists, and searching our databases. Contact Kim Bostwick [ksb6@cornell.edu], (607) 254-2160.

Internships in Communications, Outreach, and Education

Bartels Science Illustration Internships

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will offer at least one paid Bartels Science Illustration Internships in 2012, lasting from three to six months, 39 hours per week. Recipients will work on a project illustrating birds, wildlife, and/or plants for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's print publications, outreach materials, and web sites. We are seeking students (artists just starting their career) at least 18 years old who have previous experience and exceptional talent in illustration, painting, or drawing who are interested in advancing their skills in ornithological art. Interns will work on projects that help the Lab achieve its mission, and these projects often result in publication of the intern's work. For more information, please download this file. You may also contact Diane Tessaglia-Hymes, design director, by email at dianeth@cornell.edu, or call 607-254-2417 (work) or 607-342-4811 (cell).

Communications Internship: Engaging Online Communities in Birding and Science

Help create new ways for people to learn about birds and share what they know using our extensive online resources. Possibilities include but are not limited to a social-networking intern and an internship in tracking the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill. Social-networking internship would involve starting and managing online discussions, directing people to needed resources including our own sites (species guide, FAQ) and external sites, and encouraging cross-participation among our Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, blog, and WeLoveBirds followers. Gulf oil spill intern would contribute to a mini-site that serves as a central resource for members of the public concerned about ecological effects of the world's largest accidental oil spill. The site would present baseline facts about the spill, provide species-at-risk summaries, answer frequently asked questions, track developments through the year including resources on cleanup progress, early research findings, new threats to migrant and wintering birds, and developments in the Cornell Lab's own efforts to help. A mix of aggregating/curating external news and links with some original research and writing will be required. Qualifications: Students with strong skills in writing, design, or online communications. Knowledge of science and birds is a plus. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Hugh Powell, science editor, at hdp8@cornell.edu.

Education and Outreach Intern

Assist with the creation and dissemination of educational and public relations materials. Knowledge of desktop publishing and web editing required. Assist with design and publishing of materials associated with educational programming (i.e., activity sheets, booklets, posters, flyers), including interactive displays for the Cornell Lab’s largest outreach event, Migration Celebration, in May. Activity materials also will be edited for inclusion on our Education website. Depending on background and interest, intern may also help to write articles for dissemination to local media. 5-6 hours per week, January–June, 3-month minimum. Contact Anne Rosenberg [baj3@cornell.edu], (607) 254-2109.

Naturalist Intern

Lead educational nature walks; lead or assist with educational programs and activities. Assist in creating and assembling educational materials. Interest in nature and comfort working with children, especially those in grades K–5, required. Variable hours, depending on programming schedule, but primarily April–June. Availability for weekdays in June required. Contact Anne Rosenberg [baj3@cornell.edu], (607)254-2109.

Events Planning Intern

Assist with organization of the Lab’s largest local outreach event, Migration Celebration. Duties may include helping to assemble and create educational materials, coordination of volunteers and staff, and various activities related to educational event planning. 5–10 hours per week February through May. Contact Anne Rosenberg [baj3@cornell.edu], (607)254-2109.

Marketing Research Intern

Assist in compiling identity and value information of target audiences and lists of their associated social networks in assigned geographic regions. 8-10 hours per week, spring and fall semesters. Contact Mary Guthrie [msg21@cornell.edu], (607) 254-2157.

Web Intern

Help with two Cornell Lab of Ornithology websites: the Education site and the BirdSleuth site. Assist with creation of new web pages designed to convert existing educational materials into online resources. Duties include adding and organizing content, posting news stories, and making site updates. Depending on background, also assist with developing and editing content. Creativity helpful and attention to detail required. 5-6 hours per week, indefinitely, 3-month minimum. Contact Jennifer Fee, (607)254-2403, jms327@cornell.edu.

English/Spanish Translation Intern

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is looking for an intern to aid in the translation of bilingual English/Spanish educational and outreach materials for a set of citizen-based research and educational projects. The Celebrate Urban Birds program aims to promote science literacy in urban locations primarily among under-served audiences. For more information on the program, please visit the Celebrate Urban Birds web site. We are looking for scientifically accurate yet broadly accessible translations. Translations need to be in "universal" Spanish—accessible to Spanish-speaking individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. Work remotely or at the Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity. Internships are unpaid but hours are flexible and course credit is possible. Minimum commitment is generally six hours per week. To apply for an internship, send a brief cover letter and resume to Christianne White [cmw84@cornell.edu], Celebrate Urban Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. (607) 254-2123.

Education Assistant Intern, Home Study Course in Bird Biology

Help build and populate a database of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and corresponding answers using existing responses to student questions. Organize student inquiries for the FAQ section of the Home Study Course web site. Provide assistance with packaging course materials as needed. Basic knowledge of HTML, FileMaker Pro, and Microsoft Office are helpful but not required. Interest in ornithology and/or biology is desirable. Contact Kevin McGowan [kjm2@cornell.edu], (607) 254-2452.

Print Graphic Designer, Communications Department

Gain valuable experience in print production in a busy environment. Under the supervision of the Cornell Lab's senior graphic designer, assist with projects ranging from simple one-page advertisements to detailed flyers and newsletters. The opportunity to attend press checks at printers in the region is possible, depending on the length of internship. This internship is unpaid, but flexible, and we are interested in your ideas and what you hope to gain from being at the Lab of Ornithology—opportunities for special projects exist. Some image scanning or digital photography may be required. Skills: Expertise in Adobe InDesign (CS3), Illustrator, and Photoshop is required, Flash skills a plus. Experience in 4-color design helpful. Background in ornithology or an interest in birds and/or the natural world desired. Contact Diane Tessaglia-Hymes [dlt1@cornell.edu], (607) 254-2417. If responding by email, please include a copy of your resume and three samples of your work.

Science Writer, Communications Department

Write news and feature stories for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's magazine, newsletter, and All About Birds web site. Topics may include stories about bird research, bird watching, citizen-science project results, technology, and conservation. Interns will gain experience interviewing scientists, translating scientific literature into lively articles for the general public, and working with an editor to produce published clips. Prior coursework in journalism or some experience with news and feature writing is strongly recommended. Knowledge of birds or background in biology is a plus. The application requires a resume, cover letter, and three writing samples, preferably about scientific topics written in an engaging and accessible style. In the cover letter, please explain how the internship fits in with your career goals and why you would like to work at the Lab of Ornithology. Send applications or inquiries to Hugh Powell [hdp8@cornell.edu], All About Birds editor.

BirdSleuth Ambassador Coordinator

BirdSleuth is a science curriculum, developed and distributed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which engages K-12 students in their own scientific research. We are seeking a motivated and creative intern who has an interest in education to help coordinate and support targeted expansion of the BirdSleuth program through a new Ambassador program. Supported by the BirdSleuth staff, this intern will gain experience in many aspects of program management, including constituent research and database management, targeted marketing, and participant support. In addition, the intern will gain an understanding of formal and informal education (science curriculum development for specific audiences, education standards, and environmental education). There may even be the opportunity for travel to educational conferences. Our ideal intern will possess excellent communications and time management skills, have an interest in science education, and have interest, experience, or coursework in business or marketing. This position is a paid, part-time internship. You will be expected to work eight hours per week, but there may be an opportunity for more hours. A flexible work schedule is possible, though generally Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. A free shuttle travels between Corson- Mudd and Lab frequently and there is a bus stop is in front of the building. Free parking is also available.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Self-motivated, strong work ethic
• Attention to detail
• Dependable
• Strong interest in helping to expand the reach of an educational program
• Strongwritten communication skills

• Scientific literacy and interest in birds or life sciences
• Education, Business or Marketing coursework

Applications will be accepted through Monday December 12, 2011. This internship is available for spring semester, with the possibility of continuance into summer and fall 2012. To apply, please send a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for this internship, along with your resume and the contact information for at least two references to Jennifer Fee at jms327@cornell.edu. Visit http://www.birdsleuth.net for more information about the BirdSleuth program.

BirdSleuth Assistant

A dependable student is needed to assist on weekly/biweekly maintenance of the BirdSleuth project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The BirdSleuth Assistant will help with the administrative functions that are associated with a small business, such as maintaining participant databases, preparing and mailing materials, basic website work, and maintaining inventory. Depending on your skills and interests, you may be asked to assist with special projects, such as designing and writing newsletters, assisting with marketing and development, and curriculum/resource development.

Qualifications: Our preferred candidate has previous experience with administrative tasks (filing, organizing, database management, etc.) and a familiarity with MS Office products. He or she must be willing to work as a team member, be able to juggle team priorities and have strong organization skills and attention to detail. The ideal candidate might have an interest in science or science education. A flexible work schedule is possible, generally Monday to Friday 8AM to 5PM at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, but we ask you to commit to at least 8 hours each week. A free shuttle travels between Corson-Mudd and the Cornell Lab many times a day, and there is also ample free parking.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, December 11, 2011. To apply, please send a brief cover letter and resume to Jennifer Fee at jms327@cornell.edu. This position is posted as either a work-study (FWS) position or volunteer internship. Visit http://www.birdsleuth.net for more information about BirdSleuth.

Science Education Resource Developer

Cornell Lab of Ornithology's BirdSleuth is a middle school curriculum aimed at engaging students in innovative science experiences in class, online, and outdoors. We are seeking a creative and determined undergraduate intern who will help us write and produce resources for teachers and middle school students. You will work on a team to design student journal pages and online resources, compile and summarize teacher feedback, write and edit lessons, and research content and ideas. This position will provide you with an opportunity to work with experienced educators and explore ways to communicate environmental issues to K-12 students. This position is posted as either a work-study position, an unpaid internship, or as a for-credit independent study. In addition, Cornell undergraduates are eligible to be considered for a limited number of paid internships. You will be expected to work eight hours per week, but there may be an opportunity for more hours and/or conversion to paid employment in the summer. A flexible work schedule is possible, though generally Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. A free shuttle travels between Corson-Mudd and the Lab frequently during the spring semester. Free parking is available.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent writing and organizational skills
• Interest in developing creative resources
• Knowledge and interest in science and the environment
• Self-motivated, strong work ethic
• Attention to detail
• Dependable
• Collaborative spirit
• Current undergraduate student
• Working knowledge of PowerPoint and Word

• Skilled in the InDesign desktop publishing program
• Coursework in education and biology
• Knowledgeand interest in birds

Applications will be accepted through Monday, December 12, 2011. To apply, please send a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for this intern-ship, your resume, and contact information for at least two references to Jennifer Fee at jms327@cornell.edu. Visit http://www.birdsleuth.net for more information about BirdSleuth and see http://connectingkidsthroughbirds.wikispaces.com/ for an example of a curriculum unit that is currently being tested.

Student Jobs

Web Design Intern

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Citizen Science Program is currently seeking a student web design intern. Today's web design professionals are expected to have a broad skill-set ranging from graphic design principles to coding abilities. Working under an interactive designer you will perform web/graphic design duties, engage in front-end development utilizing the newest front-end web standards (HTML5, CSS3, javascript), gain experience working in tandem with web and application developers, and work with a top content management system, Wordpress, to help build (PHP) and populate our programs' websites coming redesigns. Minimum qualifications: Web design experience (at least basic html/css) and an interest in design and art. Contact Kevin Ripka at tekbirdr@gmail.com.