Research Associate in Food Safety

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO, USA
USD 50k-55k / year
Posted on Oct 8, 2025

Research Associate in Food Safety

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For full consideration, all materials must be received by October 20, 2025. Applicants should upload the following: (1) A cover letter addressing your qualifications; (2) resume; and (3) contact information of three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

For inquiries about the position, contact Eduardo Gutierrez at eduardo.gutierrez-rodriguez@colostate.edu. For additional information about Colorado State University, consult the university’s website at www.colostate.edu.

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 Research Associate in Food Safety
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202501318AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000 to $55,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
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 10/20/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Horticulture and Landscape Architecture department strives to discover, apply, and disseminate knowledge and technology while developing future leaders in the state, the nation, and the world. Through hands-on experiential learning in each of our three majors, Environmental Horticulture, Horticulture, and Landscape Architecture, we encourage human engagement with the landscape and demonstrate our focus to solve problems for people, agriculture, and the environment through scholarship and creativity fostered by teamwork and individual diversity
Position Summary
The RAI will support and execute experiments in the laboratory including biochemical analysis of plants and foods, will develop SOPs, data reports, and will be responsible for mentoring undergraduate student researchers, laboratory maintenance, inventory, and ordering.

This position’s initial appointment is for 6 months and may be extended based on adequate performance and available funding.
Required Job Qualifications
  • B.S. in horticulture, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field.
  • Experience in laboratory research environment.
  • Experience in various methods of homogenization and extraction of plant and/or animal material for metabolomics analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow SOPs.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • MS in horticulture, food science or related field
  • Experience with operation of analytical instrumentation
  • Competence using the R statistical environment.
  • Experience with development of laboratory SOPs.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Project Support
Duty/Responsibility
Prepare samples for analysis, operate analytical instrumentation for sample analysis, monitor instrument operation to verify that data collection is accurate and complete, analyze data and prepare and present data reports or publications, and support undergraduate student employees.
Percentage Of Time 80
Job Duty Category Independent research
Duty/Responsibility
Identify the need for new method development. Independently develop, test, and validate new methods (or adapt methods from literature) for analysis of samples and/or data. Prepare and present results to group members.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Lab management
Duty/Responsibility
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory workspace. Order lab supplies and be responsible for receiving shipments. Participate in the development of laboratory standard operating procedures.
Percentage Of Time 10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For full consideration, all materials must be received by October 20, 2025. Applicants should upload the following: (1) A cover letter addressing your qualifications; (2) resume; and (3) contact information of three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

For inquiries about the position, contact Eduardo Gutierrez at eduardo.gutierrez-rodriguez@colostate.edu. For additional information about Colorado State University, consult the university’s website at www.colostate.edu.

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 Eduardo Gutierrez, eduardo.gutierrez-rodriguez@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