Computational Ecologist: Wildlife Disease Modeling

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

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.