What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate I - Pathology position at Colorado State University?
Position Location
Center, Colorado
Work Location
Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position
Yes
Posting Number
202500427AP
Position Type
Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
1
Work Hours/Week
40
Proposed Annual Salary Range
$38,000 - $45,000
Employee Benefits
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Desired Start Date
09/01/2025
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on
06/02/2025
Description of Work Unit
The San Luis Valley Research Center is part of a network of 7 research centers (10 sites) throughout the state. The first San Luis Valley Research Center was established in 1888 (the same year the main station at Fort Collins was established) on 200 acres of state land near the Rio Grande River, seven miles east of Del Norte. The research center has a continuing commitment to the people of the San Luis Valley (SLV) and the State of Colorado to provide research information, conduct extension education and seed certification programs. Beginning in 1940, the principal research activity was focused on selecting potato varieties adaptable to the region. In 1979 a potato breeding program was initiated to complement the selection activity. Current research and extension programs include potato pathology, crop management and field physiology, postharvest physiology, and seed certification. In the early 1920s, the Colorado Certified Seed Potato Growers’ Association initiated a seed certification program located on the Colorado State University main campus which was co located at the SLVRC in 1964.
Position Summary
The research associate will be responsible for leading field, greenhouse and laboratory operations under the supervision of the San Luis Valley Research Center Plant Pathologist. Essential responsibilities include: the design, execution and performance of projects to support scientific research and extension objectives of plant pathology lab; updating and maintaining data records; developing and maintaining lab and field protocols; operating and maintaining lab equipment including thermal cyclers, microscopes and to work with project relevant software, maintain the inventory of lab supplies and reagents, maintaining high standards of cleanliness in all facilities (lab, greenhouse, equipment and workspaces).
Required Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in plant pathology, molecular biology, or related fields, OR Associate’s degree in plant pathology, molecular biology, or related fields plus 2 years of relevant specialized training or experience, OR High School Diploma (or GED) plus 4 years relevant, specialized training/experience in plant pathology and/or molecular biology.
- Demonstrated ability to use MS Office Suite.
- Ability to learn and master pathogen detection methods including morphological, molecular (PCR) and serological (ELISA) tools.
- Experience with record keeping and maintaining lab notebook.
- Problem solving skills.
- Current Colorado Commercial Qualified Supervisor Pesticide Applicator License, or a demonstrated ability to obtain within 60 days of employment.
- Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
- Ability to work a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) schedule as necessary.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of this position include some medium lifting (50 lbs.), manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and handling.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Experience with the following:
- Isolation of plant pathogens from diseased plant samples.
- Executing endpoint PCR or real-time quantitative PCR protocols.
- Development, execution and troubleshooting of research protocols.
- Knowledge of aseptic techniques and various growth media
- Monitoring greenhouse or establishing field research plots.
- Statistical analysis knowledge and experience.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category
Research
Duty/Responsibility
- Design and support plant pathology research projects by designing and executing field, laboratory and/or greenhouse experiments to test several hypotheses generated based on the needs of growers and other stakeholders.
- Design and conduct laboratory, field and greenhouse research projects related to disease management of potatoes and other crops grown in the San Luis Valley.
- The daily research activities and responsibilities include, but not limited to, preparing growth media and stock solutions, maintaining high standards of cleanliness in all facilities, isolating plant pathogens, molecular detection of plant pathogens, conducting disease assays, evaluating plant diseases and working with pesticides to manage plant diseases.
- The purpose of the research conducted in the plant pathology laboratory at the San Luis Valley Research Center is to deliver research-based information for managing plant diseases in the face of climate change to growers and other stakeholders in the San Luis Valley.
Percentage Of Time
70
Job Duty Category
Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
- Conduct analyses and synthesis of these data and provide summaries of research findings and activities by reporting and recording of experimental protocols and observations in appropriate digital forms to facilitate and improve research integrity and reproducibility.
Percentage Of Time
15
Job Duty Category
Extension
Duty/Responsibility
- Assist PI in extension activities such as planning of field days to disseminate research-based information to growers.
Percentage Of Time
15
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, please apply online by June 02, 2025, 11:59pm (MT). Complete applications include:
- Cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications,
- Current resume, and
- Contact information for 2 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
- Optionally you may upload Unofficial transcripts or HS/GED certification. This may be requested of finalists at a later date for educational verification.
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. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact
Mohamad Chikh Ali (email: mohamad.chikh-ali@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.
Salary : $38,000 - $45,000
