Postdoctoral Fellow - Ecology of Prairie Dog Boom-Bust Cycles

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago

Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO

Deadline: 03 Oct 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information

Working Title	Postdoctoral Fellow - Ecology of Prairie Dog Boom-Bust Cycles
Position Location	Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?	No
Research Professional Position	No
Posting Number	202201338AP
Position Type	Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title	Postdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies	1
Work Hours/Week	40
Proposed Annual Salary Range	$50,000 - $55,000
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
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on	10/03/2022
Description of Work Unit	The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is a Department Unit located at Colorado State University. CNHP tracks and ranks Colorado’s rare and imperiled species and habitats, and provides information and expertise on these topics to promote the conservation of Colorado’s valuable biological resources. Data maintained in the CNHP database are an integral part of ongoing research at CSU and reflect the observations of many scientists, institutions and our current state of knowledge. These data are acquired from various sources, with varying levels of accuracy, and are continually being updated and revised. CNHP also offers a wide range of related services including biological monitoring, research, mapping, and conservation planning services. ACADEMIC AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES: Colorado State University is a land grant institution with an enrollment of approximately 31,000 students. It is located in Fort Collins, Colorado (http://www.fcgov.com/visitor/), an attractive and dynamic community of 164,000 residents at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Fort Collins has been named one of the most desirable places to live by a variety of organizations. The region is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and land uses with numerous outdoor recreational activities.
Position Summary	The postdoc will work as part of an interdisciplinary team on a USDA-NIFA-funded project, “Understanding How to Manage Prairie Dog Population Dynamics in the Context of Plague, Climate, and Livestock Production”, that aims to (1) investigate how ecological, social, and climate variables drive prairie dog colony dynamics over time and space, (2) model how prairie dog colony dynamics affect grassland ecological functions and livestock production value, and (3) use this information to develop a predictive model and decision support tool that will inform best practices for rangeland management to dampen boom-bust cycles to promote livestock production and wildlife conservation. We seek a postdoc with strong quantitative and analytical skills, strong background in spatially explicit analysis, experience with population demographic models, and an ability to communicate and collaborate well with partners on research. The postdoc will compile additional already-collected data on soil health, biodiversity, livestock production, prairie dog colonies, climate, and management approaches from Thunder Basin National Grassland, Central Plains Experimental Range and other study locations within the black-tailed prairie dog range. The postdoc also will analyze remotely sensed data and develop statistical models that integrate a suite of long-term ecological, spatial, and climate data to improve our understanding of prairie dog boom-bust cycles. The postdoc will also have opportunities to work locally with collaborators at USDA-ARS, and at the University of Nevada, Reno as a visiting scholar. APPOINTMENT: 12-month, with the possibility to extend contingent on available funding and performance. The individual will make decisions in the following tasks. 1. Execute data collection and process plans to support project needs 2. Quality control of data collection and analysis 3. Developing statistical and spatial modelling approaches, in collaboration with PIs 4. Disseminate research results through scientific presentation and publications 5. Disseminate research results through a web-based, interactive decision support tool that will be available to stakeholders Beginning Monday, August 16, 2021, Colorado State University has mandated vaccinations against COVID-19. Faculty and staff are required to submit their vaccine status or declare an exemption. More information about the vaccination mandate can be found on the CSU COVID-19 Information & Resources site here, https://covid.colostate.edu/pandemic-preparedness-team-broad-guidance-for-all-summer-and-fall-2021-activities/.
Required Job Qualifications	The individual must have a PhD in ecology/biology, statistics, or closely related field by the start of employment. Demonstrated experience publishing scientific papers in quantitative ecology. Must have proficiency with programming, spatial analysis and statistics in GIS and R, and be able to develop and implement hierarchical statistical models using Bayesian and/or frequentist methods.
Preferred Job Qualifications	Experience with population demographic models Strong background in spatially explicit analysis Strong quantitative and analytical skills Experience / ability to communicate and collaborate well with partners on research.
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	Analysis
Duty/Responsibility	* Calculate livestock forage production over time from NDVI * Compile, manage and synthesize already-collected data on soil health, biodiversity, livestock production, prairie dog colonies, climate, and management approaches * Develop statistical and simulation models * Develop a web-based, interactive decision support tool * Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts with PIs * Present project results at scientific conferences
Percentage Of Time	60

Job Duty Category	Project Management
Duty/Responsibility	* Manage database * Organize PI meetings * Facilitate project progress and meeting timelines * Coordinate with PIs and other team members * Manage travel to UNR
Percentage Of Time	10

Job Duty Category	Research
Duty/Responsibility	* Obtain NDVI data layers necessary to calculate livestock forage production over time * Compile and synthesize already-collected data on soil health, biodiversity, livestock production, prairie dog colonies, climate, and management approaches * Prepare new research proposals
Percentage Of Time	30

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than October 3, 2022, for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted. Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birthdates from application materials. A complete application consists of: Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot Resume References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment	Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact	Ana Davidson ([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 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.