Research Associate I or II: Integrated Pest Mgmt.

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information

Working Title	Research Associate I or II: Integrated Pest Mgmt.
Position Location	Fort Collins, CO
Research Professional Position	Yes
Posting Number	202101242AP
Position Type	Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Number of Vacancies	1
Work Hours/Week
Proposed Annual Salary Range	$30,000 to $45,000 plus applicable benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience.
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	02/10/2022
Description of Work Unit	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 and act according to the Principles of Community .
Position Summary	The Szczepaniec Lab in the Dept. of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University seeks a Research Associate I in the area of Integrated Pest Management and plant-pest-predator interactions in horticultural systems. We are seeking a motivated individual excited about research and Extension focused on integrated pest management of insects and mites associated with horticultural crops and urban landscapes. A person in this position will assist with research and Extension activities including laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments in support of the entomology research program. Work includes testing insecticide resistance, establishing pest economic injury levels in new crops, and plant-pest-predator dynamics in high-value horticultural crops. This position will also engage in Extension and outreach, and involve creation and update of Extension materials and delivery of educational materials to stakeholders. Work responsibilities will involve establishing research plots, maintenance of insect and mite colonies, conducting greenhouse and laboratory bioassays, insect and mite surveys in the field, data entry and analyses, preparation of written reports, and supervision of student workers. While not an extensive focus of the position, training in and use of molecular laboratory techniques will be a component of this position as well.  Extension and outreach responsibilities will include writing and updating factsheets, preparation of content for IPM website, and delivery of Extension educational materials. Responsibilities will also involve organizing and maintaining research laboratory and greenhouse space.   This position will also train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students who assist with the research project.
Required Job Qualifications	Degree(s) in entomology or a closely related field with appropriate coursework in entomology, particularly horticultural entomology. Research Associate Level I = Bachelor’s degree and less than 3 years of relevant professional experience. Research Associate Level II = Bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant professional experience or a Master’s degree with no relevant professional experience.  Demonstrated interpersonal skills. Demonstrated written communication skills and proficiency in preparing written reports and data summaries. Demonstrated oral communication skills and ability to effectively communicate scientific content. Excellent organizational skills.  Ability to work in a computerized research environment; provide data collection, entry, and records management. Ability to conduct statistical analysis utilizing custom computer programs. Successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States at time of application; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.   A valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license, or access to licensed driver by start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications	Advanced degree(s) with focus/coursework in Entomology. Knowledge or experience in integrated pest management in horticultural systems. Greenhouse experience Extension and outreach experience; bonus if experience in preparing or interpreting factsheets. Field experience; examples include plot establishment, arthropod identification, collection, and data entry. Supervisory or mentoring experience. General laboratory maintenance experience; examples such as ordering equipment, supplies, and managing hazardous chemicals.
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	Research
Duty/Responsibility	Assist Principal Investigator in research projects of IPM of arthropods associated with horticultural systems. Conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments to establish integrated tactics to suppress pests. Design, conduct, analyze, interpret and synthesize data from experiments. Assist in preparation of written reports.
Percentage Of Time	50

Job Duty Category	Extension and Outreach
Duty/Responsibility	Assist in development and modification of Extension pest factsheets, informational handouts, and outreach. This may include delivery of educational material to stakeholders, assistance in preparing and delivery of educational workshops and training.
Percentage Of Time	30

Job Duty Category	Supervision
Duty/Responsibility	Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students who will assist on the project.  Accomplish through active mentorship and demonstration of laboratory and data analysis techniques. Build own supervisory skills, as well as provide an undergraduate student the opportunity to work in a research lab.
Percentage Of Time	20

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants	For full consideration apply online by 2/10/22 by uploading the following materials: 1) Cover letter addressing qualifications, (2) Resume or CV, (3) Copy of unofficial transcripts, and (4) Contact information for three (3) 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	Ada Szczepaniec, [email protected]
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, [email protected] . 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, [email protected] . 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, [email protected] . 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. 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.