Postdoctoral Researcher - Environmental Engineering and Microbiome Science

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: 4 months ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 28 Nov 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher - Environmental Engineering and Microbiome Science
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202201605AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Postdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range 51,000 - 59,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 11/28/2022
Description of Work Unit
The CEE Department at CSU is recognized both nationally and internationally for its education, research, and service and outreach programs, and is ranked in the top 40 of such programs in the USA. The CEE Department consists of 36 tenured and tenure-track faculty, 16 research scientists/scholars, 27 research associates, and 11 administrative professionals. Additional information about the CEE Department can be found at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/.
Fort Collins, which has been home to CSU since the University’s inception in 1870, is a vibrant, friendly city of 161,000 tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado. The city boasts a lively arts and cultural scene, shopping in historic Old Town, a strong economy, and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With more than 200 miles of bike paths and trails, easy access to the scenic Poudre River and majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, and within easy driving distance of Colorado’s iconic ski areas, it is a year-round paradise. Boasting a mild climate, thriving high-tech industry, and some of the best microbreweries in the world, it’s no wonder Fort Collins annually ranks among the most livable small cities in the United States.
Position Summary
The De Long Lab (https://www.engr.colostate.edu/~skdelong/) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the field of microbiome science and emerging contaminants biodegradation. The postdoctoral scholar will work on an interdisciplinary National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project focused on the identification of functional gene biomarkers for degradation of emerging contaminants in wastewater, using a novel, high-throughput biomarker development approach. Additionally, the post doc will have opportunities to contribute to other nationally- and industry-funded projects, as well as engage with the dynamic and interdisciplinary community of microbiome researchers at CSU through our Microbiome Network (https://www.research.colostate.edu/microbiome/ ). The successful candidate will have experience with microbial culturing and application of molecular biology techniques. We are seeking an independent researcher with strong communication skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative interdisciplinary team.
Required Job Qualifications
  • The candidate must have a Ph.D. in microbiology, microbial ecology, environmental engineering, chemical and biological engineering, or a related field. 
  • Successful applicants must have strong skills in applied microbiology and molecular biology, including culturing environmentally-relevant microorganisms, and use of DNA- and/or RNA-based assays (e.g., qPCR and RT-qPCR). 
  • Candidates should also have some experience analyzing gene sequencing datasets.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills are required.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Experience analyzing metagenomes or metatranscriptomes is desirable. 
  • Experience with analytical chemistry (LC-MS or GC-MS), multivariate statistics and machine learning are also desired.
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 Laboratory Work
Duty/Responsibility
The post doc will conduct laboratory experiments in an environmental microbiology and engineering lab, help conduct analytical chemistry analyses, and run molecular biology assays.
Percentage Of Time 70%
Job Duty Category Writing
Duty/Responsibility
The post doc will be expected to write multiple journal articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, proposal writing is expected for continuation of funding.
Percentage Of Time 30%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume or curriculum vitae , and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references.
References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Susan De Long susan.de_long@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.

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