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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleNative Seed Curator (RAI or RAII) Part-time

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionYes

Posting Number202501263AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleResearch Associate I

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week25

Proposed Annual Salary Range$27,000 - $42,000 part-time (0.65 FTE) salary of $42,000 - $65,000 full-time (1.0 FTE) annualized salary equivalent. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/29/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.

Position Summary

The position conducts seed quality assessments which address core missions of Colorado State University and the National Lab for Genetic Research Preservation ( NLGRP ) by advancing knowledge of seed biology, and critical operations related to the state seed testing lab and NLGRP’s gene banking are critical. Now, more than ever, the topics of regeneration of seeds, seed harvest and seed storage behavior are vital to the mission of both institutions. NLGRP and CSL intend to remain aligned as the demand for native seed increases to mitigate effects of native fires in the West, particularly in Colorado and the Great Basin area. This position specifically deals with testing of native wild seeds. Through this work and new techniques developed at NLGRP , we expect to increase efficiency of seed testing, reducing time required to assess dormancy.

Required Job Qualifications

+ Research Associate I = B.A. /B.S. degree + less than 3 years professional experience.

OR

+ Research Associate II = Research Associate I + 3 years experienceorB.A. /B.S. degree + 3 years professional experienceorMaster’s degree.

+ Final level to hire commensurate with combined education and experience.

+ Experience supporting scientists in seed and pollen stress physiology sufficient to perform complex tests on the viability and normal growth of seeds and pollens before and after desiccation and aging stresses.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Demonstrated education/training, skills, and or experience to:

+ Perform complex experimental components; process, store (using freezer and cryogenic methodologies); and evaluate seeds and pollens with diverse post-harvest physiologies.

+ Use biophysical, biochemical, and molecular techniques sufficient to evaluate changes in preserved germplasm during storage. Techniques include differential scanning calorimetry, gas chromatography (GC), and/or RNA integrity analyses.

+ Calibrate, operate, and maintain complex laboratory equipment and instruments sufficient to characterize physiology and composition of germplasm.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategorySeed Sample Maintenance

Duty/Responsibility

+ Receive recently harvested and stored seed samples

+ Select native seeds from GRIN , SOS , CPC , and Project Baseline databases that are suitable for assessing quality differences due to dormancy or storage.

+ Use seeds from existing ‘legacy’ experiments as base reference for deterioration.

+ Make online requests for seeds from NPGS sites and BLM .

+ Receive packages, unpack, cross-check manifest with package contents, develop inventory system for research. Return seeds to donors as requested.

+ Place seeds in storage to maintain quality. (Monitor air temperature and moisture).

+ Manage liquid nitrogen cryotanks storing germplasm. Monitor tank levels and re-fill.

Percentage Of Time33%

Job Duty CategorySeed Quality Testing

Duty/Responsibility

+ Perform seed quality tests on seeds

+ Verify taxon, seed mass, conduct viability testing, record data manually and enter data into lab database and to GRIN (if appropriate). Check data quality; ensure adequate speed of testing, reporting.

+ Conduct viability assessments using Vital staining (TZ) as necessary.

+ Monitor conditions of environmental chambers for germ testing.

+ Provide support for CSL tests (and vice versa).

+ Identify stored accessions showing signs of deterioration.

+ Store seeds at adjusted moisture and temperature to simulate aging and monitor viability.

Percentage Of Time33%

Job Duty CategorySeed Deterioration Assays

Duty/Responsibility

+ Conduct molecular, biochemical and biophysical assays associated with seed deterioration

+ Extract and characterize lipids from seeds using GC methods

+ Extract and characterize RNA integrity from seeds using electrophoresis methods

+ Characterize volatile components from seeds using GC methods

+ Characterize lipid crystallization from seeds using DSC methods

Percentage Of Time34%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Apply no later than September 29, 2025 for full consideration. Complete applications include 1) Cover letter addressing both required and preferred qualifications and 2) Resume or CV and 3) Contact information for 2 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

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.

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.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search ContactLaura Pottorff, [email protected]

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 Requested2

Maximum Requested2

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume or CV

Optional Documents