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Postdoctoral AI Modeler

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Software Engineering, Data Science
Fort Collins, CO, USA
USD 80k-90k / year
Posted on Nov 21, 2025
Apply now

Postdoctoral AI Modeler

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. If you have questions, please contact Yao Zhang at yao.zhang@colostate.edu.

Eligible candidates must be physically present in the United States at the time of application. Foreign candidates must hold a valid work authorization or a visa classification that permits employment sponsorship (e.g., F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1, or existing H-1B). Colorado State University is unable to initiate new employment visa sponsorship for individuals outside the United States.

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.

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.

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information
Working Title Postdoctoral AI Modeler
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202501719AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Postdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $80,000 - $90,000
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.
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/07/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) is a research and teaching unit at Colorado State University with a mission “to ensure the sustainability of the Earth’s ecosystems through the generation and application of new knowledge.” The department’s interdisciplinary, ecosystem research promotes collaborations among disciplines and across fields of expertise at CSU and throughout the world. As a soft-money research unit, this role is critical to ensure adequate funding to sustain its vital role in the research community both locally and across the globe.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an innovative, interdisciplinary team at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ecosystem science, and agricultural research. This exciting position offers a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge Knowledge Guided Machine Learning (KGML) methods informed by ecosystem modeling of agroecosystem carbon and nitrogen dynamics.

We offer comprehensive interdisciplinary training, exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies, and a collaborative and supportive research environment.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in ecosystem science, soil science, computer science or related field
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Experience in modern AI approaches such as deep neural networks or recurrent neural networks
  • Experience in applying ecosystem process-based models
  • Strong programming skills in Python, proficiency with scientific computing and machine-learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)
  • Experience working with agricultural, environmental, or related data
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Apply ecosystem simulation model
  • Develop and apply knowledge guided machine learning algorithms
  • Evaluate the machine learning models with observational data at site to regional scales
  • Analyze and develop interpretation of results in collaboration with scientists and staff working on the project
Percentage Of Time 80
Job Duty Category Scientific Presentations and Manuscript Publication
Duty/Responsibility
  • Prepare presentations with scientists and staff working on the project, and present results at scientific conferences as funds allow for attendance
  • Prepare peer review journal manuscripts in collaboration with scientists and staff working on the project
Percentage Of Time 15
Job Duty Category Communications and Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
  • Communicate with supervisor about ongoing tasks and next steps on a regular basis
  • Attend and participate in project meetings
  • Communicate with other scientific staff about project tasks and coordinate effort as needed with them
  • Communicate with project partners as needed to ensure they have an opportunity for input and that products are meeting the needs for their components of the project
  • Assist supervisor and senior personnel with project reports
Percentage Of Time 5
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. If you have questions, please contact Yao Zhang at yao.zhang@colostate.edu.

Eligible candidates must be physically present in the United States at the time of application. Foreign candidates must hold a valid work authorization or a visa classification that permits employment sponsorship (e.g., F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1, or existing H-1B). Colorado State University is unable to initiate new employment visa sponsorship for individuals outside the United States.

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.

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 Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Yao Zhang, yao.zhang@colostate.edu
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.
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 3
Maximum Requested 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
Optional Documents
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