Job Description

Position Summary:

The research associate/postdoc will work as part of an interdisciplinary team on a USDA–APHIS-funded project, that aims to (1) evaluate the limitations and potential inaccuracies of existing occupancy models that estimate CWD population prevalence and individual infection stage using multiple antemortem tissue samples and lab tests and (2) develop new approaches via sampling design, subsequent laboratory detection methods, and data analysis to reduce or eliminate inaccuracies, while accounting for expected tissue- and test-specific differences in sensitivity and specificity that likely vary among cervid species.
We seek a research associate/postdoc with good quantitative skills, a background in disease ecology (preferably CWD or related diseases), and an ability to communicate and collaborate well with a diversity of partners. The research associate/postdoc will review information on existing methods to estimate CWD disease state and infection stage and use simulation to determine potential inaccuracies of these methods with likely dependencies among tissues and imperfect sensitivity and specificity of various lab tests. The research associate/postdoc will develop new approaches via sampling design, subsequent laboratory detection methods, and data analysis to reduce or eliminate inaccuracies, while accounting for expected tissue- and test-specific differences in sensitivity and specificity that likely vary among cervid species. Using this information, they will evaluate sampling design trade-offs and determine optimal sampling and testing strategies to meet common objectives for CWD studies of wild cervid populations, and potentially captive populations.

The research associate/postdoc will have opportunities to work locally with collaborators at USDA National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) and collaborating state agencies (e.g., Nebraska Game and Parks). The research associate/postdoc will work closely with this team of quantitative ecologists and disease ecologists to develop Bayesian approaches to estimate conditional probabilities of disease state and infection status using multiple tissue types and laboratory assays with false positive and false-negative errors. Findings from this work will inform future study design, data collection, and use of laboratory test results for various scientific and management objectives.

Full Consideration

11:59pm MST, Feb 8, 2026

Essential Job Duties:

Research

• Review existing methods to estimate CWD disease state and infection stage

• Use simulation to determine potential inaccuracies of these methods with likely dependencies among tissues and tissue- and test-specific sensitivity and specificity.

• Develop new approaches via sampling design, subsequent laboratory detection methods, and data analysis to reduce or eliminate inaccuracies

• Work with collaborators at USDA National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) and collaborating state agencies (e.g., Nebraska Game and Parks) to determine common scientific and management objectives for CWD studies of wild cervid populations.

• In addition to the duties outlined above and depending on the prior experience of the research associate/postdoc candidate, there may be an opportunity to receive specialized training in structured decision making and quantitative modeling that aids in decision making.

Project Management

• Simulation design and management

• Organize PI meetings

• Facilitate project progress and meeting timelines

• Coordinate with PIs and other team members

Writing

• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts with PIs

• Present simulation results at scientific conferences

Application Instructions

Please ensure all applications and required materials are submitted prior to 11:59pm MST, Feb 8, 2026

-Resume/CV

- Cover Letter than addresses both required and preferred qualifications.

- Unofficial Transcripts

Conditions of Employment:

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

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, CSU will not provide a visa

Supervision:

None

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a Masters, PhD, or equivalent degree in Quantitative Ecology/Biology, Disease Ecology/ Epidemiology, Statistics, or closely related field at time of hire.

• 2+ years of experience post-masters employment working with various state or federal agencies using simulation and subsequent statistical models (e.g., occupancy models) to evaluate model performance.

• Demonstrated experience publishing scientific papers in one or more of the above fields.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by position start date. CSU will not provide a visa.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD, or equivalent degree in Quantitative Ecology/Biology, Disease Ecology/ Epidemiology, Statistics, or closely related field at time of hire.

• Strong quantitative skills and occupancy-related analysis; experience evaluating statistical models via simulation.

• Knowledge or experience in disease ecology demonstrated in submitted application materials.

• Experience publishing scientific papers associated with your work.

• Experience / ability to communicate and collaborate well with a variety of partners.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.

Employee Benefits

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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.

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.