Biologist (Computational)

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 83,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS seeks a Research Fellow with strong quantitative skills in spatial and population ecology, disease ecology, epidemiology, or wildlife management. Proficiency in programming (R, Matlab, C++, etc.) is required.

The position emphasizes developing data pipelines, applying statistical models, and communicating findings to diverse audiences. The role demands leadership in research projects, collaboration with teams, and the ability to coordinate surveillance data for robust study designs.

Qualifications

• Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Combination of education and experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• For GS-11, one year of specialized experience in data analysis, modeling, or publications, or 3 years of graduate study.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research related to One Health and invasive species management.
• Perform simulation modeling and epidemiological analyses.
• Develop models, analyze data, and prepare peer-reviewed publications or technical reports.
• Conduct research phases with minimal oversight.

Skills

Statistical programming

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related fields

Tools

R

Python

Matlab

C++

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary

This position serves as a Research Fellow within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The candidate should be highly motivated, innovative and possess a strong quantitative background in spatial ecology, population ecology, disease ecology, epidemiology, and/or wildlife management, and proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., R, Matlab, C++, etc...).

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience including courses equivalent to a major (24 semester hours), as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (Education must be degree-seeking and transcripts must be provided with application documents) -AND- FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: (1) Proficiency with a statistical programming language and data analysis and/or simulation modeling; (2) Ability to lead all aspects of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals; (3) Ability to develop code-based pipelines for automating data cleaning and management of ecological and wildlife disease surveillance data; (4) Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate technical information about wildlife disease research both orally and in writing to diverse audiences; (5) Ability to coordinate disease surveillance and/or ecological data collection workflows and assist with data collection in wildlife as needed to ensure statistically sound study designs in the field.; OR Successful completion of at least 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. (Education must be degree-seeking and transcripts must be provided with application documents) OR Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to:Conducting research related to one health and/or invasive species management.Simulation modeling, statistical analysis, and/or epidemiological modeling.Developing models, analyzing data, and writing up peer-reviewed publications or technical reports, and presenting results to stakeholderConducting all phases of the research with minimal oversight

Position Start Date:

09/17/2026

Position Close Date:

09/23/2026

Salary Offered:

83265 - 108251 USD Per Year

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response