Research Associates I, II, III, IV and Senior - Open Pool

Job Description

The Department of Biology seeks applications from individuals who are interested in obtaining temporary or special research positions within the department in the areas of cell and molecular biology, physiology of plants or animals, animal behavior, ecology, evolutionary biology and computational/theoretical biology.

Some Research Associate positions may have the option to work remotely, but this will vary between the faculty labs within the department. Contact the individual faculty and their labs to learn more.

Work Unit Description

Detailed descriptions of the research programs of the individual faculty are available on the department web page: http://www.biology.colostate.edu/people/

Signing Bonus

Any signing bonus, up to $2,500 , must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the hiring laboratory and departmental leadership.

Salary Range:

$30,000 - $60,000

Essential Job Duties

Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:

Conducting laboratory, field, or computational research activities

Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.

Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation.

Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation.

Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires)

Supervision

This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Biology. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.

Research Associate Level Requirements:

All applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline.

Level I is for individuals with less than 3 years of professional, post-baccalaureate experience.

Level II is for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and more than 3 years of relevant professional experience or a Master’s degree.

Level III is for individuals with a Bachelor’s and 5 years of experience or a Master’s degree with 2 years of experience. Individuals with a PhD who have no experience may also be appointed to this position if appropriate.

Level IV is for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of experience, a Master’s degree and 5 years of experience or a PhD with 2 years of experience.

The Senior Research Associate level is for individuals with a PhD plus 5 years of experience and demonstrated group leadership activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:

Prior research experience in a relevant biological discipline.

Experience with laboratory, field, or computational research methods.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Experience with data analysis, scientific writing, or specialized research techniques relevant to the hiring lab.

Application Instructions

To ensure full consideration, applications, resumes and cover letters must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on December 31, 2026. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

In order to help screen all applications for potential openings, please email answers to the following questions to tyler.heyne@colostate.edu as soon as possible:

Please list your academic and/or professional degrees, including area(s) of study.

Please provide a one to two sentence summary of your research experience ( 300-character limit ).

Please include the posting title and Requisition number in the subject line of your email when sending your answers

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.

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.

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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.