Job Information
Colorado State University Research Scientist I (Wheat Entomology) in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleResearch Scientist I (Wheat Entomology)
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202402128AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResch Sci/Scholar I
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$64,000-$65,000
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. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
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Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on03/02/2025
Description of Work Unit
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.
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 wheat entomology program led by Dr. Punya Nachappa at Colorado State University seeks a research scientist to lead ongoing wheat stem sawfly projects. The individual will have a broad range of responsibilities which may include but are not limited to:
General lab organization and ordering of supplies.
Perform laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments.
Perform basic molecular biology techniques
Data collection, data entry and management of electronic data records.
Training other personnel in performing experiments, data collection and analysis.
Supervision of the activities of undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.
They will communicate with researchers, extension personnel and the public, as appropriate.
Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate.
Participate in manuscript and grant writing.
Required Job Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Entomology, molecular biology, plant breeding, or other closely related fields
Expertise in molecular plant-insect interactions.
Experience in field entomology.
Proficient in data analysis in the R environment.
Proven ability to conduct and publish independent research.
Strong organizational skills
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to rapidly changing conditions
Excellent communication skills.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Experience in grant writing and leading manuscripts
Experience presenting research for extension
Experience in bioinformatic analysis
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryResearch
Duty/Responsibility
The wheat entomology program led by Dr. Punya Nachappa at Colorado State University seeks a research scientist to lead ongoing wheat stem sawfly projects such as molecular mechanisms underlying host plant resistance to wheat stem sawfly, identification of novel sources of resistance, and novel pest management strategies.
The researcher will perform greenhouse and field experiments to assess sawfly resistance and perform transcriptomics and metabolomics experiments to explore molecular mechanisms underlying resistance.
The researcher is also expected to analyze data and prepare publications.
Percentage Of Time80
Job Duty CategorySupervision
Duty/Responsibility
The individual will be expected to train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students who will assist on the project.
They will do this through active mentor-ship and demonstration of greenhouse and field experiments and data analysis techniques.
This is done to provide the researcher an opportunity to build mentoring skills as well as provide the undergraduate student the opportunity to work in a research lab.
Percentage Of Time20
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by 3/02/2025. To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a CV, a Statement of Research Interests, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. 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.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactPunya Nachappa, Punya.Nachappa@colostate.edu
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.
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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Research Interests
Optional Documents