Plant Ecophysiologist Research Associate

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

4d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Collect data on plant processes in the field and greenhouse
• Development and refining measurement methods
• Maintain and organize lab equipment and instrumentation
• Data organization, processing, and analysis
• Assist with writing manuscripts for publication
• Other related duties
• It is possible that this position will help supervise undergraduate research assistants on the project.

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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level