Predictive Modeler

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

2d • $65,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a highly skilled research associate (RA) to work at the cutting edge of mitigating avian collisions with anthropogenic structures. The objective of the work is to provide risk assessment tools for guiding aviation managers in protecting public safety. The RA will collate data and develop predictive models to estimate bird strike probability with civil and military flights. This work will be further developed into interactive visualizations that airport managers will use to manage risk of bird collisions, protecting both avian populations and human safety. The predictive models could also be applied more broadly to decrease rates of avian mortality caused by collisions with other anthropogenic structures (e.g., buildings, wind turbines). The RA will work at the forefront of human-wildlife interactions with quantitative ecologists and wildlife biologists from USDA-APHIS and Colorado State University (CSU) as well as aviation stakeholders, natural resource economists, and specialists with other backgrounds. They will also work closely with a data scientist to transfer their modeling workflows into a pipeline and dashboard system for real-time risk assessment. The position is co-located at CSU and the National Wildlife Research Center of USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services in Fort Collins, CO (in-person work is preferred but remote work may be allowed under some conditions). Salary Range: $65,000–$95,000 annually. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and aligned with the Colorado State University Research Associate series (RA I - $65,000 - $75,000, RA II - $75,000 - $85,000, or RA III - $85,000 - $95,000), as defined by the CSU Research Associate Series Concepts and Qualifications. Appointment level will be determined based on education, experience, level of independence, and complexity of responsibilities. For additional information, see: Final Series Concept for Research Associates.doc

Requirements

• Applicants must have defended their M.S. or Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, wildlife biology, computer science, data science, engineering, statistics or related fields.
• Experience and record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals using statistics or other forms of data-driven modeling.
• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires)
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. by position start date.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using artificial intelligence/machine learning models, hierarchical statistical models, dynamic spatio-temporal models, and developing pipelines for large datasets.
• Experience with probabilistic forecasting.
• Experience with optimization and decision analysis.
• Experience working with applied stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Data Management, Analysis, and Inference Work with a data scientist on data management and data analysis, but be the primary person responsible for data analysis and scientific inference in collaboration with other project members.
• Publication in Peer-Reviewed Literature Summarize research inference into writing for reports and peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Interaction with Stakeholders Participate actively in video and in-person meeting with stakeholders from USDA, the DOD, and the FAA.
• Mentoring and Career Development Hold mentoring discussions with project PI's, and also help mentor junior members of the PI labs.

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.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level