Research Associate I, II, III

Job Description

Position Summary

Researchers in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado are looking for a highly motivated college graduate to serve as a research associate. The research associate will serve as a clinical research coordinator for grant-funded clinical research trials pertaining to the role of foods, diet, and nutrition in human health. Responsibilities include clinical study coordination, recruitment of study participants, working directly with study participants, data collection, data entry, bio-specimen processing, laboratory and other analyses, setting up for study visits, and administrative and clerical duties such as assisting with grant applications, institutional review board protocols, and clinical trial registration. A flexible work schedule, including some weekend and after-school hours, is necessary.

Detailed information is available on the Department Website: https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/fshn/

Salary Range

$45,000 to $65,000 FTE

Essential Job Duties

This position involves day-to-day decision-making necessary to scheduling, recruitment, retention, multidisciplinary assessments, and data management for active clinical research trials. The position will also involve ordering of supplies and materials, maintaining the clinical research laboratory, setting up for study visits, overseeing undergraduate research assistants and volunteers, coordinating study visits including laboratory personnel and students, and assisting with IRB protocol submission and clinical trial registration.

Conditions of Employment

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.

Supervision

2-5 undergraduate research assistants and/or volunteers.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, food science, dietetics, public health, exercise science, physiology, or other related field.

• At least one year of experience working with research participants in the clinical research setting.

• A flexible schedule and willingness to work early mornings and occasional weekends.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to work independently and with other personnel to meet deadlines, meet study goals and timelines, and ensure compliance with protocols and quality control.

• Have excellent interpersonal skills and verbal/written communication.

• Proficient in computer applications, specifically Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in nutrition, food science, dietetics, public health exercise science, physiology, or other related field.

• Prior experience coordinating clinical studies.

• Prior experience assessing cardiovascular, metabolic, and gastrointestinal health.

• One-year minimal commitment.

• Basic knowledge of statistics and able to do basic calculations.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, a current resume, and copies of unofficial transcripts.

This is an evergreen posting. 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 pool will expire on September 30, 2025. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond 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.