Job Description

Position Summary

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University seeks applications for temporary or special Research Associate I, II, or III.

Research Associates work under the direction of individual faculty members and contribute to ongoing research activities specific to each lab. Duties, funding source, appointment length, and work modality (in-person, hybrid, or remote) vary by faculty lab. These positions include interaction with the Principal Investigator as well as other research assistants. These individuals will be part of a team of researchers completing a federally funded research project and will have a broad range of responsibilities.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Department has limited funds and may not sponsor a new H1B visa for this position.

Salary Range

$40,000 - $85,000

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.

Specific duties will be defined at the time of hire by the supervising faculty member.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).

Supervision

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree that reflects training in Human Development and Family Studies, Nutrition, Health and Exercise Science, Public Health, or related field.

Research Associate Level Requirements

• Research Associate I: Bachelor’s degree and fewer than 3 years of relevant, post-baccalaureate professional research experience.

• Research Associate II: Bachelor’s degree with more than 3 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master’s degree.

• Research Associate III: Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 2 years of experience. Individuals with a PhD and no prior experience may be appointed at the Research Associate III level, if appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:

• Prior research experience and training with human subjects.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Experience in observational research, surveys and questionnaires preferred.

• Other research experience with data collection and analysis, familiarity with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and a statistical software package preferred.

• Prior experience in the day-to-day organization of research projects, including recruitment of and contact with study participants, coordination of data collection activities, and data management.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit a cover letter which addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and a current resume or CV. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. 

This evergreen posting will remain open and continue collecting applications until December 31, 2026. Applicants who wish to be considered after this date must reapply.

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.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

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