Dairy Lab, Program Manager

Colorado State University; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a Dairy Lab Manager at CSU Spur in Denver, CO to oversee scheduling, operations, compliance, and maintenance of the dairy lab. The role supports research, production, courses, K-12 enrichment, and a creamery program.

Responsibilities include finalizing the lab buildout, managing contracts and scheduling, daily lab operations, equipment upkeep, and assisting with sensory studies and product development. Travel and occasional non-standard hours are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in regulatory compliance and QA within lab, food production, or health/safety settings.
• Development of SOPs and lab safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Finalize lab buildout, including equipment validation and selecting remaining equipment.
• Manage lab administration: contracts, scheduling, and supplies.
• Operate and maintain the dairy lab, calendar management, equipment upkeep, and sanitation for trials and production runs.
• Support broader CSU Spur needs: sensory testing, product development, and event support.
• Assist with client trials and production runs, and coordinate vendor/customer interactions.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Quality assurance

SOP development

Laboratory operations

Client contracts liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Job description

Denver, CO (Spur)

Full time

R2026107008

Job Description

Position Summary:

Dairy lab manager will oversee the scheduling, operations, regulatory compliance and maintenance of the dairy lab located at CSU Spur in Denver, CO. The lab manager will support small and large dairy manufacturers with research and production as well as courses, k-12 enrichment and developing a creamery program.

Essential Job Duties:

• Finalize the lab buildout, including equipment validation, construction management, and specification of any remaining equipment needs.

• Manage lab administration, including serving as legal liaison for client contracts, scheduling lab use, and ordering supplies and ingredients.

• Operate and maintain the dairy lab, including calendar management, equipment upkeep, supporting client intake and client trials and production runs, and pre- and post-production sanitation.

• Support broader FIC needs, including sensory testing, product development projects, general upkeep of FIC equipment and analytical instruments, and various event support.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required of all new hires).

• Valid driver's license by employment start date.

• Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• This position requires infrequent travel and flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, and occasional weekends.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, environmental science, industrial technology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Demonstrated experience in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and standard operating procedure development in a laboratory, food production, or environmental health and safety setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience managing dairy or food production laboratory operations.

• Experience serving as a liaison with regulatory agencies (e.g., Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment).

• Experience developing and implementing Good Manufacturing Practices and sanitation protocols.

• Background in vendor and client relationship management, including contract or supply chain coordination.

• Experience executing sensory studies.

• Working knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems for equipment maintenance.

Salary Range

$55,000- $60,000

Required Application Documents

Resume/CV

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. (http://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. (http://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!

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.

Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.