Job Description
Job Description
The position will mainly involve the processing of insect samples from pheromone traps to screen for the presence of invasive species. The primary tasks involved with this duty include cataloguing, dissecting, extracting DNA, running molecular assays, reporting results, and rerunning assays individually in the case of a positive detection. At times other similar tasks will be needed in assisting researchers with developing methods for identifying insects.
Full consideration date for application submission: April 14, 2026, 12:00 a.m. (MT).
The Department of Agricultural Biology is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds in agricultural, natural, and urban ecosystems. Our mission is to enhance human well-being by improving ecosystem sustainability. In addition to generating new knowledge, we apply knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and plant sciences to solving practical problems related to biotic and abiotic plant stress, integrated pest management, and ecosystem health. People in Agricultural Biology participate in and value cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as with individual stakeholders and other organizations in Colorado and beyond. We hold ourselves to a standard of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service.
Essential Job Duties:
Screening and Analysis of Lab Samples
Processing?specimens caught in?insect pheromone traps.?
Cataloguing, dissecting, extracting DNA, running molecular assays, reporting results, and rerunning assays individually in the case of a positive detection?will be the primary tasks.?
The work is done to detect invasive or otherwise harmful insect species.
Assisting researchers with methods development
Extracting DNA, running molecular assays, and dissecting specimens to?assist researchers with developing methods for identifying insects.
This work is done to help develop research protocols capable of differentiating?invasive species from similar native species according to the research objectives of the laboratory.?
Processing and Reporting Data
Inputting, modifying, and manipulating?data in?Excel spreadsheets for further analysis and preparing data for?reports and?publications.
Data is utilized for method improvement based on both detecting invasive species as well as building a library of comparative analysis?and contributing to publications.?
Conditions of Employment:
Pre-employment Background Check per university policy
Must be able to clear a federal background check to work in federal buildings.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by employment start date.
Supervision:
Not applicable
Required Qualifications:
B.S. in a STEM related discipline; Agricultural Sciences, Ag Bio, Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, or similar, related field.
One year of experience in a molecular lab that includes experience with molecular biology techniques.
Experience with various @types of DNA extraction methods including bulk, bead-based, and/or column-based extractions.
Preferred Qualifications
A basic knowledge of insect biology including basic dissection skills and cursory understanding of external morphology.
Experience with various @types of DNA extraction methods including bulk, bead-based, and/or column-based extractions.
A basic knowledge of DNA molecular assays in particular qPCR and ddPCR assays.
Demonstrated computing skills needed for inputting, modifying, and manipulating Excel spreadsheets for further analysis (utilizing R) and preparing data for publication.
Application Instructions
For full consideration please apply online by April 13, 2026, 11:59pm (MT). A complete application packet includes the following materials (1) Cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications, 2) Current resume or CV. References will be requested at a later date for finalist candidates only. Transcript(s) may be requested later for degree verification. This in-person position is located at 2301 Research Blvd., Suite 108, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (USDA PPQ PITL)
Salary Range
$42,000-$45,000
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, 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.
Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/)
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