Job Description

Position Location

Fort Collins, CO

Work Location

Position is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional Position

Yes

Posting Number

202501719AP

Position Type

Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Postdoctoral Fellows

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

40

Proposed Annual Salary Range

$80,000 - $90,000

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.

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Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

12/07/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) is a research and teaching unit at Colorado State University with a mission "to ensure the sustainability of the Earth's ecosystems through the generation and application of new knowledge." The department's interdisciplinary, ecosystem research promotes collaborations among disciplines and across fields of expertise at CSU and throughout the world. As a soft-money research unit, this role is critical to ensure adequate funding to sustain its vital role in the research community both locally and across the globe.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an innovative, interdisciplinary team at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ecosystem science, and agricultural research. This exciting position offers a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge Knowledge Guided Machine Learning (KGML) methods informed by ecosystem modeling of agroecosystem carbon and nitrogen dynamics.

We offer comprehensive interdisciplinary training, exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies, and a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Required Job Qualifications

Ph.D. in ecosystem science, soil science, computer science or related field

Preferred Job Qualifications

Experience in modern AI approaches such as deep neural networks or recurrent neural networks Experience in applying ecosystem process-based models Strong programming skills in Python, proficiency with scientific computing and machine-learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) Experience working with agricultural, environmental, or related data

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category

Research

Duty/Responsibility

Apply ecosystem simulation model Develop and apply knowledge guided machine learning algorithms Evaluate the machine learning models with observational data at site to regional scales Analyze and develop interpretation of results in collaboration with scientists and staff working on the project

Percentage Of Time

80

Job Duty Category

Scientific Presentations and Manuscript Publication

Duty/Responsibility

Prepare presentations with scientists and staff working on the project, and present results at scientific conferences as funds allow for attendance Prepare peer review journal manuscripts in collaboration with scientists and staff working on the project

Percentage Of Time

15

Job Duty Category

Communications and Reporting

Duty/Responsibility

Communicate with supervisor about ongoing tasks and next steps on a regular basis Attend and participate in project meetings Communicate with other scientific staff about project tasks and coordinate effort as needed with them Communicate with project partners as needed to ensure they have an opportunity for input and that products are meeting the needs for their components of the project Assist supervisor and senior personnel with project reports

Percentage Of Time

5


Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. If you have questions, please contact Yao Zhang at yao.zhang@colostate.edu.



Eligible candidates must be physically present in the United States at the time of application. Foreign candidates must hold a valid work authorization or a visa classification that permits employment sponsorship (e.g., F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1, or existing H-1B). Colorado State University is unable to initiate new employment visa sponsorship for individuals outside the United States.



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 Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search Contact

Yao Zhang, yao.zhang@colostate.edu

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.