Postdoctoral Researcher in Human Mobility and Social-Ecological Systems

Colorado State University; Wagar (AL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead interdisciplinary work on how human activity, recreation, wildlife movement, and landscape connectivity interact across large regions. Responsibilities include developing quantitative methods, analyzing large spatial datasets, and publishing results with collaborators from CSU and the U.S.

Forest Service. The position emphasizes collaboration, advanced spatial analyses, and contributing to peer‑reviewed work.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in a pertinent biological, physical, or computer science field.
• Demonstrated research focus on spatial ecology.
• Strong publication record in spatial ecology.
• Experience with research design in field settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate approaches to quantify human use across broad geographic areas.
• Integrate human mobility data with wildlife habitat and movement data to assess landscape connectivity.
• Incorporate measures of human presence into movement and occupancy analyses.
• Collaborate with CSU and U.S. Forest Service scientists across the United States.

Skills

Spatial ecology

Publication record

Field research design

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in biology, ecology, or computer science

Tools

R

MATLAB

Python

GIS tools

Job description

Job Description Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead and support interdisciplinary research examining relationships among human activity, recreation, wildlife movement, and landscape connectivity across broad geographic scales. The successful candidate will develop innovative quantitative approaches, analyze large spatial and spatiotemporal datasets, collaborate with academic and U.S. Forest Service scientists, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and other research products.

Full Consideration Date: All application materials must be received by December 1, 2026. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Work Unit Description

This position supports collaborative research focused on spatial ecology, human dimensions of natural resources, wildlife conservation, and landscape connectivity. The researcher will work with scientists from Colorado State University and the U.S. Forest Service to better understand how patterns of human activity influence wildlife behavior, habitat use, and ecological systems across large landscapes.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and evaluate approaches to quantify the timing, intensity, predictability, and types of human use across broad geographic areas.
• Integrate human mobility data with wildlife habitat and movement data to investigate landscape connectivity, identify potential bottlenecks, and evaluate opportunities to maintain or improve connectivity.
• Investigate wildlife responses to temporal variation in human activity by incorporating measures of human presence into movement, habitat selection, and occupancy analyses.
• Determine which aspects of human use most strongly influence wildlife behavior and space use.
• Collaborate with academic and U.S. Forest Service scientists across the United States to incorporate meaningful measures of human presence into ongoing and completed ecological studies.

Conditions of Employment

• Required background check.

Supervision

• The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in supervising undergraduate volunteers working on the project.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in a pertinent biological, physical, or computer science field.
• Demonstrated research focus on spatial ecology.
• Strong publication record in spatial ecology.
• Experience with research design in field settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in movement analyses, camera-based wildlife monitoring data analysis, spatial statistical modeling, and/or processing large datasets.
• Demonstrated experience developing and applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methods and tools.
• Demonstrated proficiency with scientific computing and programming languages, including R, MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms.
• Research experience examining wildlife responses to human activity, recreation, land use, or environmental change.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in collaborative and interdisciplinary research settings.

Salary Range

$63,000-68,000

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.

EEO

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.