Ag Bio Research Associate I (Timm)
About The Position
The position will mainly involve the processing of insect samples from pheromone traps to screen for the presence of invasive species. The primary tasks involved with this duty include cataloguing, dissecting, extracting DNA, running molecular assays, reporting results, and rerunning assays individually in the case of a positive detection. At times other similar tasks will be needed in assisting researchers with developing methods for identifying insects. Full consideration date for application submission: April 14, 2026, 12:00 a.m. (MT). The Department of Agricultural Biology is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds in agricultural, natural, and urban ecosystems. Our mission is to enhance human well-being by improving ecosystem sustainability. In addition to generating new knowledge, we apply knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and plant sciences to solving practical problems related to biotic and abiotic plant stress, integrated pest management, and ecosystem health. People in Agricultural Biology participate in and value cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as with individual stakeholders and other organizations in Colorado and beyond. We hold ourselves to a standard of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service.
Requirements
- B.S. in a STEM related discipline; Agricultural Sciences, Ag Bio, Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, or similar, related field.
- One year of experience in a molecular lab that includes experience with molecular biology techniques.
- Experience with various types of DNA extraction methods including bulk, bead-based, and/or column-based extractions.
Nice To Haves
- A basic knowledge of insect biology including basic dissection skills and cursory understanding of external morphology.
- Experience with various types of DNA extraction methods including bulk, bead-based, and/or column-based extractions.
- A basic knowledge of DNA molecular assays in particular qPCR and ddPCR assays.
- Demonstrated computing skills needed for inputting, modifying, and manipulating Excel spreadsheets for further analysis (utilizing R) and preparing data for publication.
Responsibilities
- Screening and Analysis of Lab Samples Processing specimens caught in insect pheromone traps. Cataloguing, dissecting, extracting DNA, running molecular assays, reporting results, and rerunning assays individually in the case of a positive detection will be the primary tasks. The work is done to detect invasive or otherwise harmful insect species.
- Assisting researchers with methods development Extracting DNA, running molecular assays, and dissecting specimens to assist researchers with developing methods for identifying insects. This work is done to help develop research protocols capable of differentiating invasive species from similar native species according to the research objectives of the laboratory.
- Processing and Reporting Data Inputting, modifying, and manipulating data in Excel spreadsheets for further analysis and preparing data for reports and publications. Data is utilized for method improvement based on both detecting invasive species as well as building a library of comparative analysis and contributing to publications.
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!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
