Job Description

Job Description

This Research Scientist I is a 12-month, special appointment, Administrative Professional position with primary responsibilities for conducting molecular-based research related to the identification, biology, and systematics of economically important organisms (insects and plant pathogens). The applicant is expected to develop an externally funded research and screening program integrating morphological and molecular methods. The applicant will collaborate with researchers in other institutions and regularly produce scientific, peer-reviewed publications of research findings. The Research Scientist will seek collaborative relationships with USDA-APHIS-PPQ identification programs (ITP, CAPS, AQI) on collaborative projects where their expertise is relevant to the entities’ goals and objectives and perform high-throughput molecular screening on samples of concern either on an as needed basis or as part of broader survey efforts.

Full consideration date for application submission: April 14, 2026, 12:00 am (MT).

The Department of Agricultural Biology is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds in agricultural, natural, and urban ecosystems. Our mission is to enhance human well-being by improving ecosystem sustainability. In addition to generating new knowledge, we apply knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and plant sciences to solving practical problems related to biotic and abiotic plant stress, integrated pest management, and ecosystem health. People in Agricultural Biology participate in and value cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as with individual stakeholders and other organizations in Colorado and beyond. We hold ourselves to a standard of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service.

Essential Job Duties:

Conducting research according to laboratory priorities

• Performing research on projects and producing all deliverables for projects as specified in cooperative agreements.

• Travel to collect samples and present results, collecting samples, authoring publications, uploading pertinent genetic and genomic data to public repositories, generating and curating genetic data, conducting analyses on generated data, and writing work instructions for developed diagnostic assays for use by other agencies and technicians.

• The position exists to fulfill critical needs of the PITL (USDA) laboratory, to help prevent the establishment of invasive insect species in the U.S.

Screening of invasive or otherwise harmful insects

• Conducting DNA extraction, molecular assays such as qPCR and ddPCR to detect invasive insect species.

• Implementing established diagnostic assays in high throughput diagnostics to rapidly diagnose species of concern and separate them from native species.

• The position exists to aid the protection of US agriculture by helping to prevent the establishment of insect species harmful to agriculture.

Supervision and Project Management

• Conducting administration for projects, including purchasing, budget administration, status updates, and reporting.

• Supervising staff working on related projects.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by employment start date.

• Must be able to clear a federal background check to work in federal buildings.

Supervision:

This position will supervise 2 full time (40 hrs./week) research cooperators at USDA-APHIS-PPQ-PITL and has the possibility of helping to supervise 1-2 students for 20 hrs./week max working in the Fort Collins USDA-APHIS-PPQ-PITL molecular lab.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree is required with specialization in entomology or a related area.

• At least three years of experience in a molecular lab that includes experience with molecular biology techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience developing molecular diagnostic assays (primarily using qPCR or ddPCR technology) for different lineages of insect pests or plant pathogens.

• Experience with generating high quality genetic data from multiple different platforms including Sanger and Oxford Nanopore sequencing for use in diagnostics, systematics, and assay design.

• Experience with various sequencing assembly methods and bioinformatic analyses.

• A broad understanding of molecular systematics and phylogenetic procedures for the delimitation of lineages affecting domestic and international agricultural production and the application of this knowledge for use in diagnostic assays.

Application Instructions

For full consideration please apply online by April 13, 2026, 11:59pm (MT). A complete application packet includes the following materials (1) Cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications, 2) Current resume or CV. References will be requested at a later date for finalist candidates only. Transcript(s) may be requested later for degree verification. This position is based in-person 2301 Research Blvd., Suite 108, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Salary Range

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.

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.