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Research Scientist I or II (Nalam)

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO, USA
USD 65k-66k / year
Posted on Aug 23, 2025
Apply now

Research Scientist I or II (Nalam)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position will remain open until filled. However, apply online by October 15, 2025, for full consideration. A complete application includes 1) Statement of research interests, 2) Cover letter addressing qualifications, 3) current Resume or CV and 4) Contact information for 3 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date this fall 2025; the hiring department will not provide visa sponsorship for 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.

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

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information
Working Title Research Scientist I or II (Nalam)
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202501124AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Resch Sci/Scholar I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $65,000-66,000 plus comprehensive benefits package.
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 10/15/2025
Description of Work Unit
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.
Position Summary
The potato breeding program led by Dr. Vamsi Nalam at Colorado State University seeks a research scientist to lead ongoing potato breeding projects. This role involves both leadership and collaborative responsibilities in the field, greenhouse, and lab-based breeding and research activities. The research scientist will contribute to parental selection, crossing, trial design, phenotyping, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, while also integrating modern tools such as genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, and data management platforms. The individual will have a broad range of responsibilities, which may include but are not limited to:

1. Design, conduct, and manage field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments to support variety development and evaluation.
2. Coordinate and execute crossing blocks, hybridizations, and early-generation selection.
3. Collect, analyze, and manage large-scale phenotypic and genotypic data to enable data-driven breeding decisions.
4. Support genotyping efforts and the integration of genomic tools (e.g., marker-assisted and genomic selection) into the breeding pipeline.
5. Assist with multi-location trials and stakeholder evaluations to assess advanced breeding lines.
6. Train and supervise research staff, students, and interns in experimental procedures and data management.
7. Contribute to the development of grant proposals, scientific manuscripts, and extension materials.
8. Collaborate with CSU faculty, USDA-ARS, CPAC, growers, and industry partners to advance breeding goals.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date this fall 2025; the hiring department will not provide visa sponsorship for the position.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Research Scientist/Scholar I + experience or Ph.D. with postdoctoral experience or equivalent (Research equivalent to Assistant Professor rank)
  • Research Scientist/Scholar II + experience or Ph.D. + 3 years postdoctoral experience or equivalent (Research equivalent to Assistant Professor rank)
  • Demonstrated experience in field-based plant breeding or genetics research
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences, including scientists, growers, and industry partners
  • Familiarity with modern breeding tools, including statistical analysis, experimental design, and genomics
  • Valid driver’s license or ability to secure or access to driver by start date
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date this fall 2025; the hiring department will not provide visa sponsorship for the position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Experience with clonally propagated crops, particularly potato
  • Experience using genomic data or bioinformatics tools in a breeding context
  • Experience with data management platforms (e.g., BreedBase, Medius.re, FieldBook, etc.)
  • Prior experience working in public-sector breeding or collaborative research programs
  • Strong interest in becoming an independent plant breeder
  • Demonstrated success in preparing research reports, grant applications, or peer-reviewed manuscripts
  • Experience with stakeholder engagement or on-farm research
  • Familiarity with potato production challenges in arid/semi-arid regions
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Designs, conducts, and analyzes field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments focused on developing potato varieties.
  • Works with genotypic and phenotypic datasets, develops and manages crossing blocks, integrates molecular and conventional breeding tools, and coordinates multi-location trials.
  • This is done to advance breeding objectives, identify superior genotypes, and contribute to the release of improved potato varieties for Colorado and national stakeholders.
  • Contributes to grant and manuscript writing and communication to stakeholders.
Percentage Of Time 85
Job Duty Category Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
  • Provides guidance and oversight to undergraduate assistants, interns, and temporary staff involved in data collection, plant care, and trial setup.
  • Delegates tasks, trains personnel on experimental procedures and data protocols, and ensures work is completed accurately and efficiently.
  • This is done to maintain high-quality research outputs, promote learning and professional development, and ensure the smooth operation of breeding activities.
Percentage Of Time 15
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position will remain open until filled. However, apply online by October 15, 2025, for full consideration. A complete application includes 1) Statement of research interests, 2) Cover letter addressing qualifications, 3) current Resume or CV and 4) Contact information for 3 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date this fall 2025; the hiring department will not provide visa sponsorship for 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.

CSU is committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing 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 Vamsi Nalam, Vamsi.Nalam@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. Statement of Research Interests
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Resume or CV
Optional Documents
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