Research Scientists/Scholars I, II, III or Senior - Open Pool

About the role

The Department of Biology seeks applications from individuals who are interested in obtaining research positions within the department at the Research Scientist/Scholar level.

Some Research Scientist/Scholar positions may have the option to work remotely, but this will vary between the faculty labs within the department. Contact the individual faculty and their labs to

Detailed descriptions of the research programs of the individual faculty are available on the department web page:

Signing Bonus

Any signing bonus, up to $2,500, must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the hiring laboratory and departmental leadership.

Essential Job Duties

Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:

• Conducting laboratory, field, or computational research activities
• Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data
• Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation
• Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation
• Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations
• Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel
• Conditions of Employment
• Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires)
• Supervision

Additional information

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

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. is required in an appropriate discipline by the start date.

Research Scientist/Scholar Level Requirements

All applicants must hold at least a Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline.

• Level I is f or individuals generally within three years of receiving their Ph.D. and with significant professional accomplishments.
• Level II is analogous to the Assistant Professor title for regular faculty. It generally includes people with three to seven years of experience beyond the Ph.D. and very significant professional accomplishments.
• Level III is analogous to the Associate Professor title for regular faculty. It generally includes individuals with more than seven years of experience beyond the Ph.D. level and with very significant professional accomplishments.
• The Senior level is analogous to the full Professor title for regular faculty. It generally includes individuals well beyond the Ph.D. level that have demonstrated outstanding, sustained, and extraordinary professional accomplishments, as well as professional leadership.

Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include

• Prior research experience in a relevant biological discipline.
• Experience with laboratory, field, or computational research methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Experience with data analysis, scientific writing, or specialized research techniques relevant to the hiring lab.
• Candidates with knowledge and experience in one or more of the following fields: cell and molecular biology, physiology of plants or animals, animal behavior, ecology, evolutionary biology and computational/theoretical biology.

Application Instructions

• To ensure full consideration, applications, resumes and cover letters must be received by 11:59 p.m.
• (MT) on December 31, 2026.
• Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

In order to help screen all applications for potential openings, please email answers to the following questions to as soon as possible:

• Please list your academic and/or professional degrees, including area(s) of study.
• Please provide a one to two sentence summary of your research experience (300-character limit).

• Please include the posting title and Requisition number in the subject line of your email when sending your answers.
• 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.

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