Job Description

Position Summary

The plant ecophysiology lab at CSU is seeking applications for a Research Associate in Plant Ecophysiology to assist with the implementation of a project to investigate the evolution of embolism resistance and phenology within the grass family to help improve species distribution models. This position will focus on greenhouse and laboratory work, but will also assist with some field sampling in the western Great Plains. The responsibility of the successful candidate will be to grow and maintain a large number of grass species in a greenhouse, help measure embolism resistance and other ecophysiological traits on these greenhouse-grown plants, and assist with phenological and ecophysiological measurements in the field. The successful applicant will be based at Colorado State University but will be required to collaborate closely with researchers at the USDA-ARS, UC-Berkeley, and the State University of New York.

This position will be housed with the Department of Forest & Rangeland Stewardship within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. The existing programs in the department include forest ecology, forest economics and management, forest fire science, rangeland ecology and management, resource policy and planning, and geospatial sciences. The Warner College of Natural Resources is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field. Linkages across department and colleges, and with federal and state land managers and research centers, form a broader interdisciplinary foundation for increased impact.

For full consideration, please submit your application by February 28, 2026.

Essential Job Duties:

• Data Collection: Collect data on plant processes in the field and greenhouse

• Methods Development: Development and refining measurement methods

• Lab/Instrument Maintenance: Maintain and organize lab equipment and instrumentation

• Data Processing/Analysis: Data organization, processing, and analysis

• Manuscript Preparation:

  Assist with writing manuscripts for publication

• Other related duties

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

Supervision:

• It is possible that this position will help supervise undergraduate research assistants on the project.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MSc in plant ecophysiology, botany, plant ecology or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using LiCor gas-exchange equipment (Li-6400, Li-6800, etc)

• Proven ability to program and utilize micro-controllers

• Evidence of successfully growing a range of plant species in greenhouse conditions

• Ability to identify grass species

• Proven ability to be productive when working independently, including evidence of effective problem-solving skills and strategies

• An ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of individuals, from undergraduate students to senior-level researchers

• Effective science and personnel communication

• Evidence of strong Data organization skills and ability to process and analyze data.

Application Instructions

For full consideration please ensure all applications and required materials are submitted

-Resume/CV

- Cover Letter than addresses both required and preferred qualifications.

- Unofficial Transcripts

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

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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.