Postdoctoral Fellow in Applied Evolutionary Ecology

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 03 Feb 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Applied Evolutionary Ecology
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202300026AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Postdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range 52,000-57,000 plus applicable benefits.
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 05/01/2023
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 02/03/2023
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Agricultural Biology (AB) is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds. AB applies this knowledge to solving practical problems related to: 
  • Management of pests in production agricultural systems, in natural resources and recreational environments, and in residential and public areas.
  • Environmental quality, 
  • Human and animal health. 


    • The Department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science – thus providing unique opportunities to address critical issues that cut across disciplines. AB focuses its teaching, research and outreach missions in four program areas each of which involves all three of the department’s disciplinary roots in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science. These programs are:

  • Genomics and Molecular Biology,
  • Ecology and Biodiversity, 
  • Biology and Management of Invasive Species, 
  • Integrated Pest Management. 

    • AB emphasizes knowledge of pests and related organisms; the roles that they play in ecological, economic and social systems; and the application of such knowledge to developing economically and environmentally sound solutions for practical problems, including emerging pest issues impacted by climate change. Being interdisciplinary in nature, AB values cooperative and collaborative efforts within departmental teams, and with other units within the University, as well as other relevant entities in Colorado and beyond.
    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.
    Position Summary
    This is only a year-long appointment. The postdoctoral fellow will conduct and manage research using Tribolium beetles to test fundamental theory regarding the factors that determine the fate of small populations in novel environments. The postdoctoral fellow will oversee the preparation for, set-up and running of experiments in consultation with the PIs. They will instruct and supervise a team of undergraduate students in day-to-day operations involved in conducting experiments and collecting data. They will verify data entry and analyze and interpret results from experiments. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to communicate the findings at professional meetings and with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
    Basic research skills needed include knowledge of experimental design, data management, and statistics including population genomic analyses and bioinformatics. Facility in R is crucial. Knowledge of insect biology and experimental evolution are desirable.
    Required Job Qualifications
    • A PhD in entomology, ecology or evolutionary biology before the negotiated start date is required.
    • Experience with collection and analysis of of genomic data.
    • Success publishing one or more articles in relevant in peer-reviewed journals.
    • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
    • The successful candidate must be present in the United States and be able to obtain legal authorization to work in the United States by the proposed start date. No visa sponsorship will be provided by the department.
    Preferred Job Qualifications
    • Strong statistical skills
    • Track record of publications
    • Strong organizational and communication skills
    • Strong understanding of ecological and evolutionary theory,
    • Experience with experimental evolution, experimental design, large datasets.
    Diversity Statement
    Personal or professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by persistent effort, active planning, allocation of resources and/or accountability for diversity and inclusion outcomes.

    Essential Duties


    Job Duty Category Research
    Duty/Responsibility
    What: Conducting experiments, analyzing data, writing manuscripts in consultation and collaboration with PIs Ruth Hufbauer (CSU) and Brett Melbourne (CU Boulder).
    How: Writing out experimental and sampling plans, meeting to discuss those plans, and adapting them as necessary.
    Why: These duties are important as they will help ensure that our experiments and other work leads to data that addresses our questions directly. Additionally, they are crucial to the career development of the postdoctoral fellow
    Percentage Of Time 50
    Job Duty Category Accounting
    Duty/Responsibility
    What: Purchasing supplies, monitoring expenses
    How: using a university purchasing card or purchase orders. Working with the KUALI purchasing system. Operating a vehicle as necessary to buy supplies locally.
    Why: To get the work done in a timely way without delays or exceeding the budget.
    Percentage Of Time 15
    Job Duty Category Supervision
    Duty/Responsibility
    What: Supervising hourly undergraduate help as well as interns working for credit (up to 6 at a time, working up to 10 hours/week each).
    How: Coaching undergraduate hourly help on how to complete necessary tasks and motivating them to work carefully. Informing them about the questions being addressed, ensuring that they understand the purpose of individual tasks. Mentoring them in their career planning and coursework.
    Why: These duties are important, as they will help ensure that the data collected are of the highest quality possible, and that the work takes place in a positive atmosphere.
    Percentage Of Time 20
    Job Duty Category Project Management
    Duty/Responsibility
    What: Coordinating the project
    How: Communicating in person, or over phone or skype (etc.) with all members of the project, both individually and in groups.
    Why: Confirming plans and adapting them appropriately to the situation will help ensure that the project is successful.
    Percentage Of Time 15

    Application Details


    Special Instructions to Applicants
    Please provide a CV, cover letter explaining interest, and contacts for 2 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
    Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
    Search Contact Ruth Hufbauer, [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.