Job Description

Position Summary

The Colorado State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic (CSU-PDC) is seeking a Plant Diagnostic Technician to support diagnostic laboratory operations and plant health services. The CSU-PDC serves homeowners, commercial growers, Extension personnel, researchers, and state/federal agencies through science-based plant disease and plant health diagnostics.

This position supports routine and advanced diagnostic activities including sample intake and processing, microscopy, culturing, molecular assays, laboratory organization, data management, and support of outreach and educational activities.

Full Consideration Date

Applications received by 5/29/2026 will receive full consideration. 

Brief Work Unit Description

The Colorado State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic provides plant disease diagnostics, plant and insect identification, and plant health support for Colorado agriculture, landscapes, and natural systems. The clinic is part of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) and collaborates with Extension personnel, regulatory agencies, researchers, and industry stakeholders to support plant health, biosecurity, and food security initiatives.

Essential Job Duties

• Receive, log, and process plant, insect and other related diagnostic samples
• Assist with plant disease diagnostics using microscopy, culturing, serological, and molecular techniques
• Prepare media, reagents, and samples for laboratory testing 
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment and biosafety standards
• Assist with data management, report preparation, and outreach or educational activities

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date
• Must be able to work in laboratory environments involving exposure to plant material, soil, microorganisms, and standard laboratory chemicals
• Must be able to lift and transport packages and laboratory materials weighing up to 30 pounds
• Must be able to perform repetitive laboratory tasks and computer-based work
• Occasional travel between CSU campuses or outreach events may be required

Supervision

This position works under the supervision of the Director of the Colorado State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, biology, microbiology, horticulture, entomology, or a related field
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Familiarity with sterile laboratory technique and basic molecular biology methods
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with plant disease diagnostics or agricultural laboratory work
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, or other molecular diagnostic methods
• Experience with fungal or bacterial culturing techniques
• Experience using microscopes for diagnostic purposes
• Knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, or plant health systems
• Experience working with Extension programs, agricultural stakeholders, or diagnostic service laboratories

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.