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Research Associate I or Research Associate II (Machmuller)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by Sunday, May 5, 2024. Applicants should upload the following:
  1. A cover letter addressing your qualifications;
  2. Resume; and
  3. Contact information of two professional references, one of who is/was an immediate supervisor, who has firsthand knowledge of an applicant’s professional abilities. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. For inquiries about the position, contact Search Chair Megan.Machmuller@colostate.edu.

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information

Working Title Research Associate I or Research Associate II (Machmuller)
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202400574AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $40,000-$60,000 Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
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, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 05/05/2024
Description of Work Unit
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.

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.

The Integrated Rocky Mountain-region Innovation Center for Healthy Soils (IN-RICHES) is a multi-stakeholder, interdisciplinary center that produces policy relevant research and facilitates dialogue to improve soil health across the Rocky Mountain Region. IN-RICHES addresses soil health across ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, rangelands and croplands. IN-RICHES is associated with CSU Soil & Crop Sciences, CSU SPUR and CSU Agricultural Experiment Station.
Position Summary
This position will help support multiple research projects within IN-RICHES. Specific duties include:
  • Organization and processing of soil and plant samples
  • Assisting field campaigns for sample collection
  • Performing routine soil lab analysis
  • Data entry, management, analysis
Required Job Qualifications
Research Associate I
  • Bachelor’s degree in soil science, agronomy, or related field; and at least 1 year experience in soil health.
  • Up to 3 years related professional experience
Research Associate II
  • Bachelor’s degree in soil science, agronomy, or related field with 3 or more years of related professional experience
OR
  • Master’s degree in soil science, agronomy, or a related filed
Required qualifications for all applicants
  • Ability to perform repetitive fine motor skills
  • Ability to learn and apply new skills and laboratory procedures
  • Ability to coordinate with student researchers
  • Ability to interpret soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics with respect to (agro)ecosystem soil health.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Wet laboratory experience
  • Proficiency in data tabulation
  • Field work experience with collecting soils
  • GIS experience
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties

Job Duty Category Lab Analysis
Duty/Responsibility
  • Process and analyze soil samples. 
  • The RA will process soils post collection, perform soil health analyses including nutrient extractions, elemental analyses, microbial biomass and enzymes, soil texture; will maintain the lab clean and overall contribute to its operations.
Percentage Of Time 80
Job Duty Category Data Entry
Duty/Responsibility
  • The RA will be trained on data computing and management platforms. 
  • The RA will also be responsible to enter collected data in excel spreadsheet.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Field work
Duty/Responsibility
  • The RA will assist with field campaigns to collect soil samples and install soil moisture sensors.
Percentage Of Time 10
Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by Sunday, May 5, 2024. Applicants should upload the following:
  1. A cover letter addressing your qualifications;
  2. Resume; and
  3. Contact information of two professional references, one of who is/was an immediate supervisor, who has firsthand knowledge of an applicant’s professional abilities. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. For inquiries about the position, contact Search Chair Megan.Machmuller@colostate.edu.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Megan.Machmuller@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
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.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested 2
Maximum Requested 2

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
Optional Documents