Bird Migration Forecasting for Conservation Applications Postdoc

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 31 Oct 2021

Posting Details
Working Title Bird Migration Forecasting for Conservation Applications Postdoc
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202101137AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Postdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $60,000 - $62,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date 11/22/2021
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/31/2021
Description of Work Unit
The Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Department expands the frontiers of knowledge through our broad-based expertise in applied ecology, quantitative methods, and human dimensions in the conservation and management of fish and wildlife.
We teach students to think critically about environmental issues and become ecologically literate citizens with the training to be successful in graduate school and in careers with natural resources agencies, firms, and non-government organizations.
Our outreach efforts contribute significantly to life-long learning by assisting individuals and agencies to solve complex environmental problems and to be good stewards of our nation’s natural resources.
Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for processing, analyzing, and synthesizing radar and remote sensing data through peer reviewed publication. The scope of this work is largely computer-based and heavily analytical, requiring familiarity with spatial ecology and machine learning. The post-doc will work closely with PI Horton (CSU) and PI Kelly (University of Oklahoma). 
Required Job Qualifications
  • Ph.D. degree in a pertinent biological, remote sensing, statistics, or computer science field by the start date of the position.
  • Demonstrated experience publishing scientific papers in the areas of ecology, quantitative ecology, remote sensing, statistical ecology, or movement ecology.
  • Demonstrated competency in statistical modeling, proficiency in R or Python coding, extensive experience in handling remote sensing data, and ability to handle and organize large datasets. 
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    Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Experience working with weather surveillance radar data and processing
  • Experience using and deploying machine learning models (Boosted Regression Trees Random Forest, Neural Networks)
  • Experience in movement ecology with an emphasis in bird ecology.
  • Demonstrated experience working in collaborative research settings. 
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    Diversity Statement
    Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

    Essential Duties


    Job Duty Category Research
    Duty/Responsibility
    Lead the primary organization, processing, and integration of weather surveillance radar, remote sensing covariates, and application of machine learning approaches (e.g., neural networks, boosted regression, etc.). Facilitate the linkage of these data layers with remote sensing products in an effort to characterize patterns of migratory birds – particularly in regard to artificial light pollution and collision threats. The post-doc will work at the scale of the continental United States. 
    Percentage Of Time 60
    Job Duty Category Publication
    Duty/Responsibility
    Write up research papers on research findings – potentially spanning fields of ecology, conservation biology, remote sensing, computer science, and ecological forecasting. Develop effective figures and images to convey main messages in paper. Submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journal, and engage with review process to get manuscripts published. 
    Percentage Of Time 30
    Job Duty Category Outreach
    Duty/Responsibility
    Meet regularly with broader research group to engage on discussions of convergence research, remote sensing, and light out messaging. Facilitate interactions between CSU, OU, and partners regarding modeling, data processing, data integration, and movement ecology. Disseminate findings through scientific conferences and manuscript press releases.   
    Percentage Of Time 10

    Special Instructions to Applicants
    Application materials consist of the following:
  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Three professional references.
  • 1-page commitment to diversity statement (including broadening diversity, enhancing equity, and inclusive instruction and research techniques)


    • References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
    Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
    Search Contact [email protected]
    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. The Office of Equal Opportunity 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, [email protected] .
    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, [email protected] .
    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, [email protected] .
    Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
    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. 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.