HDFS - Research Associate II
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, USA
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Research Associate II will play a key role in supporting multiple federally funded research projects focused on early neurodevelopment in clinical populations. This position involves conducting advanced neurodevelopmental assessment visits with infants, toddlers, and young children, including participants with developmental delays or neurogenetic conditions. The RA will administer standardized developmental measures and observational assessments, requiring prior experience with early childhood developmental testing in clinical or research settings. Experience administering the ADOS 2 is strongly preferred.
Full Consideration Date
Monday, April 27, 2026, 11:59pm (MT)
Salary Range
$55,000 - $70,000
Essential Job Duties:
Conduct Neurodevelopmental Assessments: Administer standardized early developmental and behavioral assessments with infants, toddlers, and young children in clinical research populations; maintain fidelity to assessment protocols; ADOS‑2 administration preferred.
Travel for Off‑Site Visits: Coordinate and complete neurodevelopmental assessment visits regionally and nationally for families unable to travel to campus, ensuring high‑quality data collection in diverse settings.
Data Scoring and Management: Score developmental and observational assessments; manage, clean, and transform data; perform quality checks to ensure accuracy and readiness for analysis across multiple funded projects.
Project Coordination and Compliance: Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, maintain scheduling across studies, adhere to IRB and study protocols, and communicate effectively with families to support positive assessment experiences.
Decision Making:
This position involves day-to-day decision-making necessary to provide oversight for and to complete a research study, for instance, pertaining to recruitment, retention, participant assessments, and data management.
Supervision:
Supervision and mentorship of undergraduate research trainees, supporting their skill development in data collection, scoring, and regulatory compliance while ensuring high‑quality contributions to study activities. (20% FTE per week)
Conditions of Employment:
Pre-employment Background Check
A Motor Vehicle Record Check
Minimum Education:
A bachelor’s degree that reflects training in Human Development and Family Studies or related field
At least 3 years' prior research experience and training with human subjects.
Prior experience working with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome).
Minimum Experience:
3+ years' experience
Experience and training with neurodiverse populations
Hands‑on experience conducting early childhood developmental assessments in clinical or research settings
Training in standardized assessment administration (e.g., cognitive, language, or behavioral measures)
Experience with data scoring, data entry, and basic data management
Ability and willingness to travel regionally and nationally for off‑site assessment visits
Excellent communication skills and comfort working with families of young children
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple schedules across projects
Preferred Qualifications:
3+ years' experience
Experience and training with neurodiverse populations
Hands‑on experience conducting early childhood developmental assessments in clinical or research settings
Training in standardized assessment administration (e.g., cognitive, language, or behavioral measures)
Experience with data scoring, data entry, and basic data management
Ability and willingness to travel regionally and nationally for off‑site assessment visits
Excellent communication skills and comfort working with families of young children
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple schedules across projects
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following documents as a single PDF or attach up to 5 documents under the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application:
Cover letter addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications
Resume
Salary Range
$55,000 - $70,000Required 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.
Cover Letter, Resume/CVEmployee 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.
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.