Postdoctoral Fellow Occupational Therapy Integrating Horses

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: 4 days ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 16 Apr 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Postdoctoral Fellow Occupational Therapy Integrating Horses
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202300460AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Postdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $54,886 - $60,000 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 04/16/2023
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Animal Sciences has the unique mission of serving Colorado’s large and diverse livestock industries. Research, teaching and extension outreach activities in the Department of Animal Sciences focus on developing industry leaders and improving profitable production of horses and food animals through the application of science and technology, resource management and food product enhancement, with emphasis on addressing societal issues concerning food safety, product quality and value, animal care and management, and environmental impacts of animal agriculture.
The Occupational Therapy Department’s mission is to optimize human performance and participation in everyday occupations and contexts across the life span. U.S. News & World Report ranks the entry-level program among the top-ten in the U.S. and Colorado State University designates the Department as a Program of Research and Scholarly Excellence. Consistent with CSU’s culture of excellence, faculty in the Department have an established record of innovative education, research, community-based practice and engagement. The Department includes a PhD in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science and an entry-level OTD. In 2023, we will complete our final MOT class. In addition to the academic unit, the Department comprises two outreach and research arms: the Assistive Technology Resource Center and the Center for Community Partnerships.
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
We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow for an NIH-funded study titled “The preliminary efficacy of occupational therapy integrating horses on self-regulation in youth with autism.” Primary responsibilities will include participant recruitment, conduct of clinical research assessments with youth with autism and their caregivers, data management, intervention fidelity monitoring, and collection of saliva samples. The trainee will be exposed to a variety of interdisciplinary methods, including standardized behavioral assessments, occupational therapy interventions in both an equine environment and a traditional clinic environment, psychophysiological assessments, goal attainment scaling, and advanced statistics. The trainee will also participate in professional development activities such as leading publications and presentations, and mentored grant writing.
Required Job Qualifications
  • PhD in Occupational Science, Rehabilitation Science, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Studies, Education, Communication Studies, or related field or clinical doctorate in OT (OTD) completed by start date
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Prior paid or volunteer experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, or other neurodiverse individuals
  • Experience with project management
  • Authorized to legally work in the US at employment start date; department will not sponsor visa
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Publication record in peer reviewed journals
  • More than 2 years of experience working with youth with autism spectrum disorder, or other neurodiverse youth
  • Experience administering and scoring the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and/or Leiter International Performance Scales
  • Experience administering and scoring standardized assessments
  • Experience with data management
  • Experience with statistical analysis in SPSS or comparable program
  • Grant writing experience- submissions and/or funded proposals
  • Intervention study experience
Diversity Statement
Personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by involvement in teaching, research, creative activity, service to the profession and/or diversity/inclusion activities.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Study Coordinator
Duty/Responsibility
  • The postdoctoral scientist will serve as study coordinator for the NICHD-funded study “the preliminary efficacy of occupational therapy integrating horses on self-regulation in youth with autism.” Primary responsibilities will include participant recruitment, conduct of clinical research assessments with youth with autism and their caregivers, data management, intervention fidelity monitoring, and collection of saliva samples.
Percentage Of Time 80
Job Duty Category Grant and Manuscript Preparation
Duty/Responsibility
  • The trainee will also draft and edit manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, and assist in grant writing.
Percentage Of Time 20

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, please apply online by April 16, 2023. Please submit the following materials:
  • Cover letter addressing the required and desired qualifications
  • CV
  • Contact information for three references
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Statement of Research Interest – no more than one page


    • References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
    Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
    Search Contact Laura Bonner, laura.bonner@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. 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, 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 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.

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