Posting Detail Information

Working TitlePostdoctoral Scholar - Western Cedar Bark Beetle

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionYes

Posting Number202401392AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitlePostdoctoral Fellows

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$60,000 - $65,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; its a thriving community thats transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion ( , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

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Desired Start Date10/14/2024

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/10/2024

Description of Work Unit

The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship is a unit in the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The department consists of biological and social scientists, houses a variety of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and offers a variety of programs in forest and rangeland ecology and management.

Position Summary

The Davis Forest Health Lab at Colorado State University is seeking a highly quantitative, motivated, and independent Postdoctoral scholar to lead a project exploring the basic biology and ecology of Phloeosinus bark beetles in giant sequoia trees. The successful applicant will be hired in the Department of Forest & Rangeland Stewardship, based in Fort Collins, Colorado ( USA ). However, project fieldwork will be based out of California, and there is potential for the applicant to be partially or entirely remotely based.

The postdoctoral scholar will work to understand the chemical signals that drive behaviors of the western cedar bark beetle, Phloeosinus punctatus, with particular focus on developing attractants for managing, monitoring, and controlling populations. Preferred applicants will know or learn (and apply) several tools in chemical ecology including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, headspace sampling, and electroantennography. There is little information for the target Phloeosinus species, and strong applicants will demonstrate creativity and ingenuity in designing methods to test insect behaviors in the largest trees in the world. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in ecology, entomology, forestry, or a related field. Applicants with previous experience in chemical ecology and insect behavior will be strongly preferred. The postdoctoral scholar will work with a diverse team of researchers, including research associates and graduate students, and have access to specialized analytical chemistry equipment. The postdoctoral scholar will also be expected to produce high-quality research and present their work to ecosystem managers at conferences and via peer-reviewed publications.

Required Job Qualifications

+ A PhD in entomology or other closely-related ecological discipline.

+ Must have a valid drivers license or the ability to obtain a drivers license by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Experience working with bark beetles and Phloeosinus beetles in particular

+ Experience with insect chemical ecology tools and methods

+ A background in the ecology and management of Californian conifer species, with emphasis on giant sequoia

+ Experience writing project grant proposals and managing project funds

+ Evidence of prior engagement with the forest entomology community

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Departments commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryResearch

Duty/Responsibility

+ Develop experimental design.

+ Complete field research including specimen collection, and trapping experiments.

+ Complete laboratory research (GC- EAD , chemical development)

+ Complete data analysis and interpretation.

Percentage Of Time70%

Job Duty CategoryProject Management

Duty/Responsibility

+ Complete grant writing and publication of research results.

Percentage Of Time30%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

This position will remain open until filled. To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications and a resume.

References will be requested from finalists . References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. 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.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Drivers License

Search ContactSabrina Broderick,

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity ( is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the Universitys Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education ( .

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.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested

Maximum Requested

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume

Optional Documents