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Posting Detail Information

Working TitlePostdoctoral Researcher

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionYes

Posting Number202501177AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitlePostdoctoral Fellows

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$55,000 - $65,000

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, 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) on09/15/2025

Description of Work Unit

The forestry program in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University, through collaboration with other programs in our college and university, generates and communicates knowledge of broad areas of forest science and stewardship to students, managers, policy makers, peers, and the public. We strive to be a preeminent authority in forest science and stewardship through a well-rounded, interdisciplinary faculty encompassing broad expertise in biophysical, management, and social sciences. We manage programs, facilities, and technologies for applied, hands-on learning and problem-solving reaching broad audiences, from matriculated and continuing education students, researchers, forest stewardship professionals, and the general public.

This position will be based in Fort Collins, a small but growing city nestled against the eastern flanks of the central Rocky Mountains, approximately one hour north of Denver in north-central Colorado. Its location and Colorado’s idyllic climate make Fort Collins a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Within easy reach there are a myriad of trails for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, and back-country skiing on a plethora of public lands, including nearby National Parks, Forests, Grasslands, and countless local natural areas. Fort Collins also has a vibrant cultural scene, with many options for enjoying theater productions, music events, annual festivals, museums, art galleries, restaurants, gardens, and more.

Position Summary

We seek an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to conduct research on new models integrating terrestrial plant biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, hyperspectral remote sensing and airborne LiDAR to test prominent hypothesis of the effect of tree diversity on ecosystem productivity. The primary objectives for this postdoctoral position are to 1) Develop models to predict plant functional traits from hyperspectral imagery in forest sites from the National Ecological Observatory Network ( NEON ), 2) Develop statistical models to assess the effect of remotely-sensed diversity metrics on three forest types: evergreen, deciduous, and mixed, 3) Test prominent hypotheses of diversity-productivity relationships to infer the ecological mechanisms driving these relationships in temperate forest ecosystems.

Hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered, but in-person presence in Fort Collins, CO is preferred.

Required Job Qualifications

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in ecology, natural resources, remote sensing, ecosystem ecology or a related discipline, and have:

+ Expertise in processing optical remote sensing data over large areas and using machine learning models for predicting ecological metrics

+ Strong background in remote sensing in hyperspectral imaging using software and programming languages such as R, Python, Google Earth Engine, etc.

+ Demonstrated ability in integrating ecological theory with ecosystem ecology and remote sensing to improve predictions of forests responses to climate change

+ Demonstrated evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills and organizational ability

+ Demonstrated proficiency with statistical analyses using open-source software

+ Demonstrated evidence of publishing in the peer-reviewed literature

Preferred Job Qualifications

Competitive candidates will have:

+ A background in hyperspectral remote sensing

+ Experience in using machine learning to predict plant metrics, including plant chemistry, from hyperspectral imagery

+ Experience developing statistical models to predict ecosystem yields, forest productivity or other ecosystem properties.

+ Experience working collaboratively in groups.

+ Background in plant functional ecology is strongly desired but not required

+ Background and experience in airborne LiDAR or terrestrial LiDAR are an asset.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryResearch

Duty/Responsibility

+ Develop machine learning models to predict plant traits from hyperspectral imagery using public open data from NEON sites across a climatic gradient in continental USA .

+ Estimate functional diversity indices from hyperspectral imagery from NEON sites at a local scale

+ Obtain public data on tree growth over time to estimate net primary productivity over time

+ Fit structural equation models to test the effects of remotely sensed biodiversity (from hyperspectral and LiDAR) on forest productivity across three forest types (evergreen, deciduous, mixed forest) from NEON sites.

+ Apply these models to infer ecological mechanisms driving biodiversity-productivity relationships in temperate forest ecosystems

Percentage Of Time85

Job Duty CategoryProject Management

Duty/Responsibility

+ Ensure project objectives are met by meeting regularly with project supervisor and team, setting interim goals and submitting annual reports

+ The postdoc will explore opportunities for continuing the project through future grant proposals

Percentage Of Time15

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than September 15th, 2025 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 birth dates from application materials.

A complete application consists of:

+ A cover letter which addresses how professional experience aligns with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position.

+ A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).

+ The names, e-mail addresses, and telephone number of three (3) 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 ContactSandra Duran, [email protected]

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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

+ Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents