MIP Research Associate I, II, or III - Open Pool (Evergreen)

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology is seeking candidates for an open pool of Research Associate positions in infectious disease labs. A Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field is required. Positions may be temporary or limited; duties include data collection, analysis, and supervising students.

Onsite in Fort Collins. Salary ranges: Associate I $42k–$60k; II $50k–$70k; III $52k–$80k.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.
• Preferred: knowledge in bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, prion biology or vector biology.

Responsibilities

• General lab organization and ordering of supplies.
• Management of records associated with compliance with Human or Animal Institutional Review Board protocols and guidelines.
• Data collection and subsequent analysis using custom computer programs.
• Data entry and management of electronic data records.
• Statistical analysis.
• Training other personnel in data collection and analysis.
• Supervision of the activities of undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.
• Physiological experiments with animals.
• Handling of laboratory animals and tissue/blood samples.
• Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate.
• Write reports, check documentation, maintain inventory, maintain critical data, and insure compliance with grant criteria.

Skills

Bacteriology

Virology

Parasitology

Immunology

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Prion biology

Vector biology

Education

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field

Job description

Job Description The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology (MIP) is comprised of over 500 individuals who share a common passion for solving some of the most important human and animal health problems today. Research programs include those related to mycobacteria, retroviruses, prions, and arthropod-borne infectious diseases, as well as the diagnostic investigation of naturally-occurring animal diseases. A leader in education, MIP provides the only microbiology undergraduate degree program in Colorado, graduate programs that provides training in a number of cutting-edge disciplines, and several specialized veterinary residency training programs. Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.

Position Summary & Essential Duties:

The department accepts applications on an ongoing basis from individuals who are interested in obtaining research positions within the department in laboratories in the areas of infectious disease research. The open positions may be temporary or special assignment and may be for limited time periods. This is an open pool, and applications will be forwarded to open positions as they become available.

Research Associate positions may be available in the area of infectious disease research.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.

These positions include interaction with the Principal Investigator as well as other research assistants. The individual will be part of a team of researchers completing a federally funded research project and will have a broad range of responsibilities which may include but are not limited to:

• General lab organization and ordering of supplies.
• Management of records associated with compliance with Human or Animal Institutional Review Board protocols and guidelines.
• Data collection and subsequent analysis using custom computer programs.
• Data entry and management of electronic data records.
• Statistical analysis.
• Training other personnel in data collection and analysis.
• Supervision of the activities of undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.
• Physiological experiments with animals.
• Handling of laboratory animals and tissue/blood samples.
• Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate.
• Write reports, check documentation, maintain inventory, maintain critical data, and insure compliance with grant criteria.

Salary Ranges:

• Research Associate I: $42,000 - $60,000
• Research Associate II: $50,000 - $70,000
• Research Associate III: $52,000 - $80,000

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.

Required qualification, rank and salary determined by specific position to be filled.

Level I is for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and less than 3 years of relevant professional experience. Level II is for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant professional experience or a Master’s degree with no experience. Level III is for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of experience or a Master’s degree with 2 years of experience.

Individuals with a PhD who have no experience may also be appointed to this position if appropriate.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by time of application; the Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology department will not provide visa sponsorship for these positions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with knowledge and experience in one or more of the following fields are preferred: bacteriology, virology, parasitology, pathology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, prion biology or vector biology. One-year of work experience is also preferred.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Supervision:

This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.

Full Consideration Date:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on December 31st, 2026.

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.

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For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

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.