Predictive Modeler

Job Description Position Summary:

Full consideration date is May 13, 2026 The Research Associate will work at the forefront of human-wildlife interactions with quantitative ecologists and wildlife biologists from USDA-APHIS and Colorado State University (CSU) as well as aviation stakeholders, natural resource economists, and specialists with other backgrounds. The role also works closely with a data scientist to transfer their modeling workflows into a pipeline and dashboard system for real-time risk assessment. The position is co-located at CSU and the National Wildlife Research Center of USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services in Fort Collins, CO.

Essential Job Duties:

Provide risk assessment tools for guiding aviation managers in protecting public safety. Collate data and develop predictive models to estimate bird strike probability with civil and military flights. Developed interactive visualizations that airport managers will use to manage risk of bird collisions. Use artificial intelligence/machine learning models, hierarchical statistical models, dynamic spatio-temporal models, and develope pipelines for large datasets.

Supervision:

None Minimum Qualifications:

PHD Degree - applicants must have defended their Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, wildlife biology, computer science, data science, engineering, statistics or related fields. Experience and record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals using statistics or other forms of data-driven modeling.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience using artificial intelligence/machine learning models, hierarchical statistical models, dynamic spatio-temporal models, and developing pipelines for large datasets. Experience with probabilistic forecasting. Experience with optimization and decision analysis. Experience working with applied stakeholders. Salary Range $75,000 to $95,000 Required Application Documents To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Transcripts 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, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in! 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. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.