Research Associate I: Sample Preparation

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: 11 months ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 01 May 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Research Associate I: Sample Preparation
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202300529AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $40,000 - $45,000
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 06/01/2023
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 05/01/2023
Description of Work Unit
The Analytical Resources Core (ARC) is an institutional core facility at CSU. The Bioanalysis and Omics (BIO) Core is a center within ARC. The mission of the ARC-BIO is to serve as an enabling resource for research and development programs at Colorado State University. We strive to build instrumental capabilities and expertise that exceed the normal resources of individual research programs, and make those technologies available as a shared resource. We also aim to provide an environment rich in expertise and educational resources, and to foster collaboration across the CSU community and beyond.
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
Position Summary
The RA will be employed in the ARC and will support sample preparation for mass spectrometry-based research projects from CSU faculty and off campus academic, governmental, and industry scientists. Research areas utilizing mass spectrometry include infectious disease, agriculture and food science, clinical disease biomarker discovery, and bioenergy. Under the guidance and supervision of senior ARC staff, the RA will be responsible for the intake, storage and processing of samples for analysis via gas and/or liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Additionally, the RA will be responsible for basic instrument operation and maintenance, general laboratory safety and upkeep of lab areas, including chemical fume hoods, freezer storage space and sample preparation areas. Additional duties may arise supporting ARC and/or ARC-BIO operations.
Required Job Qualifications
  • B.S. degree in a related field such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology or other relevant field.
  • Demonstrated laboratory experience, including one or more of pipetting, use of analytical balance, operation of analytical instrumentation, molecular biological techniques, liquid or gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, other analytical approaches, use of chemical fume hoods, and biosafety cabinets.
  • Demonstrated ability to accurately follow instructions.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience in analytical instrumentation, especially mass spectrometry
  • Demonstrated experience in small molecule or protein extraction or sample preparation
  • Demonstrated experience in laboratory automation
  • Demonstrated experience in research, including presentation of results either in written or oral format
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Sample Preparation
Duty/Responsibility
  • Responsibilities will include intake, organization and preparation of samples (via chemical extraction) for LC-MS and/or GC-MS. Sample preparation involves cataloging samples received, homogenization, weighing subsamples into vials/tubes, and extracting metabolites/proteins with solvents/buffers. Sample extracts will be analyzed using GC and or LC-MS instrumentation. 
  • Sample preparation tasks will be performed daily. 
  • Reproducibility of the process and strict adherence to standard operating procedures is critical.
Percentage Of Time 65
Job Duty Category Laboratory and Instrument Maintenance
Duty/Responsibility
  • Oversee hazardous waste disposal and laboratory safety practice, maintain freezer inventories, prepare buffer solutions for LC-MS, perform routine cleaning of GC-MS ion source. 
  • Basic instrument operation tasks
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Inventory Control
Duty/Responsibility
  • Organize and track ordering of supplies and consumables and work with accounting staff to ensure accurate invoicing for services.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
  • Act as direct supervisor/mentor of undergraduate student employees.
Percentage Of Time 5

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three 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 [email protected]; [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 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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