Postdoctoral Fellow of Rangeland Ecohydrology

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct independent and collaborative research on the interactions between rangeland soil moisture and adaptive and traditional management practices at CSU SGRC and CPER. The appointment is 12 months with the option to renew, contingent on performance and funding.

Essential duties include experimental design and execution, data analysis of ecohydrological processes, scholarly dissemination through

Qualifications

• PhD in Rangeland Science, Ecology, or related field completed before start.
• First-author peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments or computational modeling related to ecohydrological processes in semiarid rangelands.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret complex datasets using specialized methodologies and software.
• Write and publish peer‑reviewed manuscripts; present findings at national conferences.
• Provide training, mentorship, and supervision to undergraduate and graduate student researchers; contribute to grant proposals; ensure compliance with CSU biosafety, environmental health, and IRB/IACUC protocols.

Skills

Research publications

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Python

R

ArcGIS

Job description

Position Summary

The Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct independent and collaborative research on the interactions between rangeland soil moisture and adaptive and traditional management practices. The selected researcher will work directly with Dr. Raynor at the Colorado State University Semiarid Grasslands Research Center (SGRC) and Dr. David Hoover in the USDA Agricultural Research Service Rangeland Research & Systems Research Unit at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER). They will lead efforts to advance rangeland ecohydrological understanding through the integration of soil characteristics, precipitation, and remote-sensing vegetation data to inform adaptive management practices in semiarid rangelands. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with the option to renew for an additional term, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.

Full Consideration Date: Monday, October 12, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Essential Job Duties

• Research Execution: Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments or computational modeling related to ecohydrological processes in semiarid rangelands.
• Data Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret complex datasets using specialized methodologies and software.
• Scholarly Dissemination: Write and publish peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts. Prepare and present research findings at national conferences.
• Leadership: Provide training, mentorship, and supervision to undergraduate and graduate student researchers. Contribute to developing and writing grant proposals. Maintain strict adherence to CSU biosafety, environmental health, and IRB/IACUC regulatory protocols, where applicable.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
• Valid driver's license by employment start date.
• Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.
• Supervision: May supervise research associates or hourly staff involved in research activities, including assignments, training, and performance feedback. May provide functional supervision or coordination for CAES research station staff contributing to research and demonstration projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral degree) in Rangeland Science and Management, Ecology, Grassland Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Hydrology or closely related field completed prior to the proposed start date.
• Experience: Demonstrated research productivity evidenced by first‑author publications in peer‑reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in common spatial and statistical ecological techniques, e.g., Python, R, ArcGIS.
• Salary Range $60,000 - $65,000

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Employee 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, for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!