Researcher II

Research Associate Position

The National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) and the Utah State University (USU) disease ecology lab seek a Research Associate to assist with collaborative, interdisciplinary chronic wasting disease (CWD) studies. The position will be filled through USU, but will be located at the NWRC headquarters in Fort Collins, CO.

The Research Associate will be responsible for (1) performing, optimizing, and trouble-shooting laboratory assays for the detection of CWD and for genetic characterization of free-ranging cervids; (2) producing and analyzing data to investigate the relationship between cervid ecology, CWD epidemiology, and host genetics; (3) summarizing data and reporting results to USU staff and stakeholders; (4) preparing scientific manuscripts or assisting with manuscript preparation for the dissemination of results.

The Research Associate may also provide field and animal care support as needed. Strong written and oral communication skills are imperative.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in prion biology, wildlife disease ecology, genomics, or a related field
• Ability to work safely and independently in a BSL-2 laboratory
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques, including assay optimization and troubleshooting
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience participating in or designing interdisciplinary research
• Experience in computational biology, data management and visualization, and/or bioinformatics

Preferred Qualification:

• Experience with GWAS

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
• Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be typed at the beginning of the application
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

** Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Minimum $65,000 commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation.

Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.

The S.J. & Jessie

E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines.

Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah.

With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university's land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah's remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges.

Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah,…