Job Description

Position Summary:

The San Luis Valley Research Center is part of a network of 7 research centers (9 sites) throughout the state. The first San Luis Valley Research Center was established in 1888 (the same year the main station at Fort Collins was established) on 200 acres of state land near the Rio Grande River, seven miles east of Del Norte. The research center has a continuing commitment to the people of the San Luis Valley (SLV) and the State of Colorado to provide research information, conduct extension education and seed certification programs. Beginning in 1940, the principal research activity was focused on selecting potato varieties adaptable to the region. In 1979 a potato breeding program was initiated to complement the selection activity. Research on cultural practices including disease and pest studies was also conducted. In the early 1920s, the Colorado Certified Seed Growers Association initiated a seed certification program located on the Colorado State University campus which was co located at the SLVRC in 1964.

Essential Job Duties:

• To conduct certain laboratory test protocols after training ( i.e., run ELISA tests or conduct specific stages during a PCR test), make media, maintain lab equipment, some record keeping, and other types of general lab procedures.  Duties will be performed by the individual as directed by the PCS Lab Supervisor, PCS Assistant Manager and PCS Assistant Lab Supervisor.
• Will assist the Disease Lab Supervisor in disease testing and laboratory activities. 
• Assist in disease testing assays required by the Colorado Certified Seed Potato rules and regulations including; a) PCR testing as well as ELISA testing and bio-assay plants for the major potato viruses and other disease issues, and b) any other testing or testing techniques as deemed necessary by PCS lab supervisor.
• This will include maintaining the facility, trucks, and storage crates in a clean, organized manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a hard working, self starter and needs to be able to lift 50lb sacks of potatoes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in potato field leaf sampling & preparing potato leaf and tuber samples for ELISA and/or PCR samples, , and irrigated potato/field crop production is desirable.
• Evidence of attention to detail and ability to develop and maintain high quality records and other documentation is desirable.
• Interest and ability to work, collaborate, and communicate in a team environment with individuals of diverse, socioeconomic backgrounds.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.