Job Information
Colorado State University Postdoctoral Scientist - Ecosystem Modeling in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitlePostdoctoral Scientist - Ecosystem Modeling
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202401583AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitlePostdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$70,000 - $80,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/23/2024
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The NREL is a research and teaching unit at Colorado State University with a mission “to ensure the sustainability of the Earth’s ecosystems through the generation and application of new knowledge.” The department’s interdisciplinary, ecosystem research promotes collaborations among disciplines and across fields of expertise at CSU and throughout the world. As a soft-money research unit, this role is critical to ensure adequate funding to sustain its vital role in the research community both locally and across the globe.
Position Summary
Position entails developing, evaluating and applying ecosystem models. The position responsibilities include advancing process-based models of plant production, C and N cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Position will require collaboration with other team members on the project, communication with project partners, and preparation of peer-review manuscripts.
Required Job Qualifications
Ph.D. in computer science, ecology, soil science, statistics or related field
Experience in ecosystem modeling or crop growth modeling or related discipline
Demonstrated skills in R or Python
Preferred Job Qualifications
Experience with ecosystem model development
Experience with ecosystem model parameterization using Bayesian calibration methods
Experience with using ecosystems model to simulate plant production and soil C and N cycling in agricultural systems
Experience with applying ecosystem models with geospatial products
Experience with machine learning algorithms
Strong publication record
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryResearch
Duty/Responsibility
Goal: Improve simulation of plant production, C and N cycling in ecosystems
Develop model algorithms in the DayCent Ecosystem model to improve simulations of soil C, N, plant growth, etc.
Parameterize DayCent model with Bayesian calibration methods
Evaluate DayCent model with observational data at site to regional scales.
Apply DayCent model to assess GHG mitigation potentials
Conduct analyses to quantify uncertainty in results using methods such as Monte Carlo Simulation approaches
Analyze and develop interpretation of results in collaboration with scientists and staff working on the project. This may require statistical analyses to identify significant patterns in the results
Create graphical output and spatial products to present results
Use machine learning algorithms to develop Meta-models or develop process-guided data analysis
Percentage Of Time75
Job Duty CategoryScientific Presentations and Manuscript Publication
Duty/Responsibility
Goal: Communicate results to the scientific community
Prepare presentations with scientists and staff working on the project, and present results at scientific conferences as funds allow for attendance
Prepare no fewer than two peer review journal manuscript as first author in collaboration with scientists and staff working on the project
Incorporate input from co-authors into the manuscript
Submit manuscripts
Address reviewer comments in coordination with co-authors and resubmit manuscripts as needed for the manuscript to be accepted by the journal editorial staff
Address any final edits on article proofs
If manuscript is rejected for publication, then re-submit to another journal and repeat the review process
Percentage Of Time20
Job Duty CategoryCommunications and Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
Goal: Ensure communication among project scientists, staff and partners
Communicate with supervisor about ongoing tasks and next steps on a regular basis
Attend and participate in project meetings
Communicate with other scientific staff about project tasks and coordinate effort as needed with them
Communicate with project partners as needed to ensure they have an opportunity for input and that products are meeting the needs for their components of the project
Make project deliverables including data products, meta-data and reports in coordination with supervisor
Following these communications steps will ensure that all project participants and partners have input and will ultimately lead a more robust data product.
Delivery of the data product is required by the sponsor under the terms of the contract.
Percentage Of Time5
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contactyao.zhang@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents
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