Research Associate II

csusystem; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 53,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a research professional to support cardiology and cardiac surgery projects at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. You will conduct molecular and clinical experiments, analyze data, and help prepare manuscripts and grant applications.

You will coordinate sample schedules, maintain lab SOPs, and ensure regulatory compliance while working closely with Dr. Arai and collaborators in a fully in-person environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, biology, bioengineering, or similar.
• 3 or more years of relevant professional experience OR Master's degree with no experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and customer service.
• Exemplary organizational and time management skills.
• Experience in data input, management and analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Strong interest in cardiovascular research and tissue engineering for human and veterinary patients.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate flexibility.
• Experience searching and organizing scientific literature.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and perform molecular, cellular biological, and clinical experiments.
• Enter and analyze research data; contribute to scholarly publications.
• Assist with preparation of proposals, grants, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Maintain lab operations: supplies, media, solutions, contaminants, resources.
• Process human and animal tissue and blood samples per protocols.
• Coordinate sampling schedules, data collection, and regulatory documentation.
• Generate and maintain SOPs; support regulatory compliance (IACUC, PARF, AARF).
• Visit off-site centers and labs to perform activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Independent work

Literature search

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree with no experience

Tools

R

Python

SPSS

Job description

The Department of Clinical Sciences mission is to assure the health and productivity of animals to meet societal needs through high quality educational programs for professional veterinary medical students, graduate veterinarians, and the public through a faculty and veterinary medical center of excellence, and to advance and disseminate comparative biomedical knowledge in an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration.

The purpose of this position is to support and promote research projects within the field of cardiology and cardiac surgery, working closely with Dr. Arai. The role involves generating scientific articles and presentations at both national and international levels. The position plays a critical role in advancing research and disseminating knowledge within the field, contributing to the overall advancement of cardiology and cardiac surgery. This position is fully in-person.

Full Consideration Date

The posting will remain open until filled. To ensure full consideration, Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (MT).

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct research and perform molecular, cellular biological, and clinical research experiments to support ongoing projects.
• Enter and analyze research sample data; contribute data analysis and written content for scholarly publications.
• Assist with the preparation of research proposals, grant applications, manuscripts, and presentations for funding sources and conferences when needed.
• Maintain laboratory operations by ordering supplies, preparing media and solutions, managing contaminants, organizing laboratory resources, and ensuring efficient day-to-day functioning.
• Process human and animal tissue and blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Coordinate research sampling schedules, data collection activities, protocol testing procedures and regulatory documentation to ensure compliance and timely reporting.
• Generate and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), oversee hazardous waste management and training records, and support regulatory compliance activities, including AARF, PARF, and IACUC documentation.
• Visit off-site collaborative centers and labs to perform lab activities.

Supervision

Depending on the ability of the hired person, this position will assist in supervising graduate and undergraduate students, house officer, clinicians in laboratory operations as well as hourly or non-hourly students and volunteers.

Conditions of Employment

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by time of application; the Clinical Sciences department will not provide visa sponsorship for these positions.
• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required).
• Work is performed in person at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
• Physical requirements include prolonged sitting/standing, lifting, and working in laboratory environments with exposure to temperature variations, noise, and laboratory materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., biomedical sciences, biology, bioengineering, or similar).
• 3 or more years of relevant professional experience.
• OR
• Master's degree with no experience.
• AND
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and customer service.
• Exemplary organizational and time management skills.
• Experience in data input, management and analysis.
• Experience and knowledge of the use of Microsoft application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other spreadsheet applications.
• Strong interest in cardiovascular research and tissue engineering for both human and veterinary patients.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate a high degree of flexibility.
• Experience searching and organizing scientific literature.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, or similar).
• Grant writing skills and experience.
• Experience in cell culture, cell-based assays, and blood processing.

Salary Range

$53,000- $77,700.

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.