Job Information
Colorado State University Wildlife Diagnostics Research Associate in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleWildlife Diagnostics Research Associate
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202401491AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResearch Associate III
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range55000-60000
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, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date10/01/2024
Position End Date (if temporary)09/30/2025
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/09/2024
Description of Work Unit
Veterinary Health System
The Veterinary Health System transforms our service units into a comprehensive veterinary medical center governed by responsible management that supports our units’ individual missions. Capitalizing on Colorado State University’s top ranking in veterinary medicine, and building on our tradition of providing high-quality compassionate care and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes, the Veterinary Health System broadens our expertise and skill to deliver the highest levels of customer service, employee satisfaction, and advancements in medicine through clinical service, diagnostics, research, and innovation.
Work Unit|Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
Faculty and staff at the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories ( VDL ) are among the nation’s finest in their fields of expertise and offer comprehensive diagnostic services. The mission of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory ( VDL ) is to provide timely, accurate and pertinent animal disease diagnostic services and educational outreach to veterinarians, animal industries and animal interests. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will strive to meet the goals the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University through research to develop new approaches to disease identification, investigation, prevention and through education of professional veterinary medical, graduate, and post-doctoral students.
Why work at Colorado State University?
CSU was recently ranked first among Colorado-based educational employers and fifth among all in-state employers in Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers by State!”
We are looking to add individuals to our team who have the following characteristics: Confidence – they expect success in what they do Compassion – they have genuine care and concern for others Commitment to Inclusive Excellence – they engage principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all they do, valuing a supportive community where everyone’s contributions are valued, and all voices are heard Empowerment – they use their knowledge and skills to adjust, change, and improve daily tasks/work for themselves and others Integrity – they are honest, and others trust them Responsibility – they take ownership of decisions and actions
Our Investment in You
Colorado State University ( CSU ) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits and well-being package that supports you, your health, and your family.
These CSU resources help with many aspects of your life – financial, physical, emotional, family, workplace wellness. These resources are part of our investment in you.
Employees are benefits eligible when working a minimum of 20 hours per week;benefits outlined below reflect full-time status of 40 hours per week; some benefits would be prorated for part-time status.
Paid time off to include 24 vacation days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays annually Attractive evening work schedule that is flexible yet consistent Monday-Friday Comprehensive benefits programs and services including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Parental Leave, work/life resources, and more Robust Employee Assistance Program ( EAP ) for your overall well-being FREE college credit courses (up to 9-semester credits per year) through the Employee Study Privilege program Tuition Scholarships up to 50% for eligible family members FREE employee growth opportunity through CSU training and development opportunities After-school programs and summer camps for kids Community Discounts FREE MAX transit use with CSU identification
For more detail about these and other Health and Welfare benefits and Commitment to Campus programs, visit our CSU Well-Being Hub athttps://hr.colostate.edu/well-being-hub/and our Benefits programs for Administrative Professional employees:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/.
Retirement ProgramsWhile employees of CSU do not contribute to Social Security, the University and the state of Colorado offer competitive retirement plans. As a condition of employment and required by Colorado law, employees are required to participate in either the University’s Defined Contribution Plan ( DCP ) or the Public Employee’s Retirement Plan ( PERA ) of Colorado. Each plan offers a generous employer match between 10% – 21%. For more information, visit:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/retirement/.
Campus Culture and Principles of Community
Colorado State University has a campus culture that is driven by a desire always to do better and a vision to be the best place to learn, work, and discover. Our Principles of Community – Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice – reflect our core values and support CSU’s mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement. Each member of our community has a responsibility to uphold these principles when engaging with one another and acting on behalf of the University. For more information visit:https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-people/.
Tobacco and Smoke-Free
Colorado State University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. For the health of our university community, the use of smoking, vaping or tobacco products is prohibited on CSU grounds or in buildings.
Position Summary
The Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory ( CSU VDL ) in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking applicants for a research associate in the area of wildlife diagnostics and research. This position has been created to assist with a specific research project “Bighorn Sheep Respiratory Disease Diagnostics”. The successful candidate will be employed as a Research Associate III in the CSU Administrative Professional system.
The position is full-time with schedule based on project needs. This schedule will be coordinated primarily as Monday through Friday (5 eight hour days) with flexibility for other scheduling accommodation, particularly when field work is required. Determination of schedule is based on current needs, with input from employee. Occasional weekend work may be required, based on needs for field sample collection.
This position will work primarily within the CSU VDL molecular diagnostics and next-generation sequencing ( NGS ) sections. Rare work will occur within other sections at the CSU VDL such as bacteriology or necropsy. Occasional field work will require working in outdoor conditions. Background checks and fingerprinting will be required to obtain this approval.
The applicant should be responsible and able to work both independently and in a team environment. Work will be completed within multiple laboratory sections, but ultimately work will be supervised by the primary research investigator. The successful applicant will be required to work independently within section laboratories, but develop good working relationships with section staff, while maintaining excellent communication with the primary investigator.
This position may be expected to travel within the state of Colorado to collect samples from live animals.
This is a one year, special appointment position. This position can be renewed based on workload and funding availability.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; Colorado State University Diagnostic Laboratories will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field and 5 years relevant professional experience to include relevant laboratory-based experience with molecular diagnostics and next generation sequencing.
A Master’s degree in biological sciences + 2 Years of relevant professional experience or a PhD in biological sciences also considered.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; Colorado State University Diagnostic Laboratories will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Previous experience in a wildlife related field is preferred.
Previous experience with library preparation for the Illumina MiSeq and/or NextSeq platforms is preferred.
Previous experience with bioinformatics software such as Geneious is preferred.
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryDiagnostic Testing
Duty/Responsibility
This position will perform daily operations in the Molecular Diagnostics and Next Generation Sequencing ( NGS ) sections of the CSU VDL . Independently, under minimal supervision, this position will be responsible for the following:
Prioritize daily duties, including timing and organization of work to be performed (including reagent preparation, routine equipment preventive maintenance, sample preparation, DNA extraction, multiplex PCR , amplicon library preparation, library DNA quantification, library pooling, library sequencing, and acquisition of sequencing results)
Maintain an archive of samples physically within the CSU VDL freezers and digitally using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
Determine how samples, including simple/standardized and complex/unique samples should be processed and tested
Determine procedures for proper processing and testing of samples
Coordinate testing within the molecular diagnostics and NGS sections
Demonstrate proficiency in molecular diagnostic and library preparation techniques, including custom library preparation for use on the Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq sequencing platforms
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in consultation with section heads and primary investigator
Correctly prepare and complete data logs of test procedures and results
Track laboratory supply stocks in two separate laboratories (media, reagents, consumables, etc)
Demonstrate exceptional communication skills; this position requires work in coordination with the primary research investigator, and section staff within molecular diagnostics and NGS
Interpret test results including quality of library preparations prior to sequencing and quality of sequencing results
Act independently working under very limited supervision; expected to be fully independent in diagnostic testing capabilities
Percentage Of Time75
Job Duty CategoryResearch Contribution
Duty/Responsibility
This position will participate in interpretation of data and development of new strategies for optimizing testing.
Expected research contributions may include:
Work within, or in coordination with, the CSU VDL bacteriology section to obtain cultures for whole genome sequencing from bacteria of research interest
Assist with interpretation of PCR amplicon and whole genome sequence data including use of bioinformatics tools
Development of formats for result reporting
Assist with optimization of tests and development of new testing procedures
Train undergraduate students, graduate students, residents and visiting scientists on diagnostic techniques as needed
Percentage Of Time20
Job Duty CategorySample Collection
Duty/Responsibility
This position will assist with necropsy or field sample collection when necessary. This may include:
Collection of samples from animal carcasses within the CSU VDL necropsy section including use of the band saw to dissect skulls, and collection of respiratory samples from heads and lungs of bighorn sheep
Travel to locations with captive or wild animals which may include hiking with a pack of 30 lbs or lighter
Collecting tonsillar swabs, nasal swabs, or other biological samples
Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills when working with individuals from wildlife agencies, or other collaborative partners, specifically understanding the chain of command at any capture events
Percentage Of Time5
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. The cover letter must address how professional experiences align with minimum and preferred qualifications, and must address your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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 EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License - or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date, Essential Services Designation - Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare., Shift Work - CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory does not follow standard University Holiday Schedule due to the nature of the business. Monday through Friday is typical schedule but rotation of holidays is required and occasional Saturdays needed., On-call Status - In the event of an emergency is declared by the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Director, needed to meet NAHLN requirements, overtime work or work outside normal operating ours will be required., Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Exposure to select agents, zoonotic disease, agents & hazardous wastes.
Search ContactKaren Fox, karen.fox@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
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 Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume or CV
Optional Documents