Research Associate III - FWCB

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

3d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Simulation design and management
• Organize PI meetings
• Facilitate project progress and meeting timelines
• Coordinate with PIs and other team members
• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts with PIs
• Present simulation results at scientific conferences

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees