Job Description

Position Summary:

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Colorado State University seeks applications for temporary or special Research Associate I, II, III, IV or Senior positions in the areas of Gene Expression, Cellular Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biological Analytics, as well as database and/or software design and development for labs and/or course needs.

Research Associates work under the direction of individual faculty members and contribute to ongoing research activities specific to each lab. Duties, funding source, appointment length, and work modality (in-person, hybrid, or remote) vary by faculty lab.

Detailed descriptions of faculty research programs are available on the department website: https://www.bmb.colostate.edu/

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Department has limited funds and may not sponsor a new H1B visa for this position.

Full Consideration Date:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on August 16, 2026.

Salary Range:

$34,000 - $75,000

Signing Bonus:

A signing bonus may be offered to successful candidates, up to $2,500, and this must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the hiring laboratory and departmental leadership.

Essential Job Duties:

Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:

• Conducting laboratory, field, or computational research activities.

• Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.

• Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation.

• Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation.

• Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

• Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Specific duties will be defined at the time of hire by the supervising faculty member.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).

Supervision:

This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or biochemical sciences by the start date

• Possess knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of a professional or scientific position, and skill in applying this knowledge in carrying out assignments, operations, or procedures.

• Possess practical and/or technical knowledge to perform assignments such as carrying out limited projects that involve use of specialized, complicated techniques. Work involves some knowledge of the practical and potential values of research and experimentation in the field involved.

Research Associate Level Requirements:

• Research Associate I: Bachelor’s degree and fewer than 3 years of relevant, post-baccalaureate professional research experience

• Research Associate II: Bachelor’s degree with more than 3 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master’s degree

• Research Associate III: Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 2 years of experience. Individuals with a PhD and no prior experience may be appointed at the Research Associate III level, if appropriate

• Research Associate IV: Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of experience, a Master’s degree and 5 years of experience or a PhD with 2 years of experience.

• Senior Research Associate: PhD plus 5 years of experience and demonstrated group leadership activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:

• One year experience in a biological laboratory is preferred.

• Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as (polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, protein purifications), fluorescence microscopy, or cell culture (i.e., sterile technique) is a plus.

Application Instructions:

This is an evergreen posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. To apply, submit a cover letter which addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and a current resume or CV.

References may be contacted later in the hiring process, and will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. This pool will expire on August 16, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

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.