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MARC Research Associate I

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Colorado Springs, CO, USA · Lucketts, VA, USA
USD 40k-55k / year
Posted on Nov 22, 2025
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MARC Research Associate I

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please apply online by our full consideration deadline of Dec. 8, 2025. Complete application packet includes: 1) Cover letter addressing both required and preferred qualifications, 2) Resume or CV, and, 3) Contact information for 2 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

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 are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information
Working Title MARC Research Associate I
Position Location Denver, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202501738AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $40,000 - 55,000 plus comprehensive benefits package. 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 12/08/2025
Description of Work Unit
Denver is the capital of Colorado and the twenty-first largest city in the United States, sprawling over six counties and 3,497 square miles of the High Plains and the Rocky Mountain foothills. Centered at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, the city and county of Denver together have a population of about 716,500. At an elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver has been nicknamed “The Mile High City.” More a conglomeration of suburbs than a single city, the Denver metropolitan area consists of Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Boulder, and Adams Counties and has a population of about 3.4 million. This area forms the cultural, economic, political, and social center of Colorado.

The CSU Spur campus is located at the National Western Center (NWC) and affords CSU the chance to establish a community-engaged research presence, working with our existing 25+ partner organizations to advance urban ecological and sociological research, as well as establishing citizen science programs. Given its intended use as a living laboratory, CSU’s Spur campus at the NWC will establish a data storage framework for existing baseline data on the NWC site and surrounding areas.

Research Associates located at the MARC are assigned to CAES or an academic department at Colorado State University, report to the respective unit lead, and conduct research, education, and outreach programs along the Front Range of Colorado and at other locations in Colorado. Programs at the MARC include:

· Controlled Environment Agricultural Research (CEAR) with focus on Advancing Greenhouse Technology; Plant Disease Research and Green Roof Technology and Science.

· Field Scale Research in Regenerative Agricultural for Urban and Peri-Urban Systems with emphasis on improved access by all community members to an adequate, affordable, nutritious diet; Food and agriculture-related businesses that create jobs and recirculate financial capital within the community and improve living and working conditions for farm and food system labor.

· Creation of food and agriculture policies that promote local or sustainable food production, processing, and consumption, and adoption of dietary behaviors that reflect concern about individual, environmental and community health.

· Community Food Systems – A collaborative and engaged research network that integrates sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management, economic and social health.

· Marketing and processing practices that create more direct links between farmers and consumers and improved access by all community members to an adequate, affordable, nutritious diet.

· Climate Smart Agriculture, Data Sciences & Sensor/Monitoring Program with focus on Environmental Sensor Development, Data Management (CAESRC), Biological Sensor Development, Energy and Urban Agriculture
Position Summary
This is a full-time, salaried, benefits-eligible Administrative Professional/Research Associate I position. Primary job responsibilities are to assist MARC faculty, research scientists, Extension personnel, non-CSU research cooperators, and cooperator farmers in the operations and research at MARC. This includes facility and plant maintenance, planning, execution, and evaluation of research conducted on-site as well as off-station grower cooperator sites, and education and outreach efforts at MARC in conjunction with larger efforts related to the CSU Spur campus.
This is a highly collaborative role that will support MARC managers, research scientist, faculty, Extension professionals, and graduate students.
Due to the nature of the research and educational mission of MARC and Spur, the work schedule will vary. Occasional nights and weekend work will be necessary.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start date of position. The Center will not provide visa sponsorship or cover related costs for these positions.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree and less than 3 years professional experience.
  • Commitment to work collaboratively and as a team member during the development and implementation of multiple research programs.
  • Demonstrated capability working in a computerized environment, using office software such as MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Access) or other data management programs.
  • Capability or willingness to learn to operate various hydroponic and irrigation systems.
  • Capability to meet physical demands such as frequently and repeatedly lifting 20 lbs. and occasionally 50 lbs. and ability to work in environmental conditions such as inclement weather.
  • Flexibility to accommodate Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) and to meet seasonal demands as well as varied works hours extending in night and /or weekend.
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start date of position. The Center will not provide visa sponsorship or cover related costs for these positions.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Degree(s) in an agricultural or related engineering field such as agronomy, agricultural engineering, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science or water resources.
  • Experience with specialized hydroponic and CEAR horticultural research projects in a facility engaged in research, evaluation and/or education; execution of research projects and an ability to perform experimental procedures.
  • Experience with programming, installation, maintenance and data collection using scientific equipment.
  • Experience with statistical analysis software or other data management platforms.
  • Outreach experience with producers, interested public, or other stakeholders.
  • Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license or access to a qualified driver by employment start date.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Operations
Duty/Responsibility
  • Greenhouse, CEAR, green roof, and other horticultural operations include initial setup, calibration, adjustment and operation of hydroponic systems, facility organization, cleaning, and maintenance and equipment upkeep.
  • Follow standard operating procedures related to food safety and pesticide application and maintain related required records.
Percentage Of Time 50
Job Duty Category Outreach and Education
Duty/Responsibility
  • Support the outreach and educational goals of MARC and Spur through leading tours, facilitating hands on learning activities, and answer questions from Spur visitors.
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Research support for both graduate students and staff scientist research projects.
  • These responsibilities include executing research protocols designed by principal investigators; collecting of research data; and monitoring progress of various research projects
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Organizational Support
Duty/Responsibility
  • Tasks include procuring supplies and equipment, scheduling and organizing meetings and events, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to support research.
  • This work may also include data management, grant proposal preparation, and research project coordination.
Percentage Of Time 10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please apply online by our full consideration deadline of Dec. 8, 2025. Complete application packet includes: 1) Cover letter addressing both required and preferred qualifications, 2) Resume or CV, and, 3) Contact information for 2 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

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 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 Jake Holley, Jake.Holley@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 2
Maximum Requested 2

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume or CV
Optional Documents
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