Colorado State University currently has active Research Associate I, II, III, IV and Senior open pools in the Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry. These are department-specific pools used to identify qualified candidates as temporary or special research needs arise.
CSU Research Associate Open Pools 2026 at a Glance
| University | Colorado State University |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Collins, Colorado, USA |
| Current active pools | Department of Biology; Department of Chemistry |
| Levels | Research Associate I, II, III, IV and Senior |
| Biology requisition | R2026105589 |
| Chemistry requisition | R2026105637 |
| Full-consideration deadline | 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time |
| Appointment type | Temporary or special research appointments as needs arise |
How the CSU Open Pool Works
An open-pool posting allows a department to maintain a pool of qualified applicants for research appointments that may arise during the posting period. Applications are reviewed as hiring needs develop, and qualified candidates may be contacted when a suitable opportunity becomes available.
Department of Biology Open Pool — R2026105589
The Department of Biology seeks candidates for temporary or special research positions across:
- cell and molecular biology;
- plant or animal physiology;
- animal behavior;
- ecology;
- evolutionary biology; and
- computational/theoretical biology.
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline by the start date |
|---|---|
| Salary range | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Possible signing bonus | Up to $2,500, subject to case-by-case approval by the hiring laboratory and departmental leadership |
| Work modality | Some positions may have a remote-work option; this varies by faculty lab |
| Deadline for full consideration | 31 Dec 2026 · 11:59 PM MT |
| Reapply after pool closes | Yes, if the applicant wishes to be considered beyond the current pool period |
Biology Research Associate Level Requirements
| Research Associate I | Less than 3 years of professional post-baccalaureate experience |
|---|---|
| Research Associate II | Bachelor’s degree + more than 3 years relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree |
| Research Associate III | Bachelor’s + 5 years experience, or Master’s + 2 years experience; a PhD with no experience may also be appointed where appropriate |
| Research Associate IV | Bachelor’s + 10 years experience, Master’s + 5 years experience, or PhD + 2 years experience |
| Senior Research Associate | PhD + 5 years experience + demonstrated group leadership activities |
Department of Chemistry Open Pool — R2026105637
The Department of Chemistry seeks Research Associate candidates in:
- analytical chemistry;
- biological chemistry;
- chemistry education;
- inorganic chemistry;
- materials chemistry;
- organic chemistry; and
- physical chemistry.
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline |
|---|---|
| Salary range | $30,000–$55,000 |
| Work authorization | Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the USA by the proposed start date and for the full appointment |
| Visa support | The Department of Chemistry does not guarantee financial visa support for hires from this pool |
| Work modality | In-person, hybrid or remote may vary by faculty lab |
| Deadline for full consideration | 31 Dec 2026 · 11:59 PM MT |
Typical Research Associate Duties
Specific duties depend on the hiring laboratory and research programme. Current Biology and Chemistry postings identify duties that may include:
- conducting laboratory, field and/or computational research;
- collecting, managing and analysing research data;
- assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation;
- maintaining laboratory equipment, materials and documentation;
- contributing to manuscripts, reports and presentations; and
- collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students and other research personnel.
How to Apply
Biology — R2026105589
| Online materials | Application, resume and cover letter |
|---|---|
| Additional screening information | Email academic/professional degrees with fields of study, plus a 1–2 sentence research-experience summary limited to 300 characters |
| Email subject | Include the posting title and Requisition R2026105589 |
| Full-consideration deadline | 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM MT |
Chemistry — R2026105637
| Required files | Current resume + statement of research interests |
|---|---|
| Format | |
| Review | Applications are reviewed as hiring needs arise |
| Full-consideration deadline | 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM MT |
CSU permits applicants to redact information from application materials that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
CareerAidHub Application Guidance
The following is CareerAidHub guidance and does not replace CSU’s official requirements.
- Apply to the correct department: Biology and Chemistry are separate pools with different documentation and salary ranges.
- Match the level carefully: use the Biology level matrix as a reference only for that Biology posting unless another CSU pool states the same criteria.
- Show methods clearly: foreground laboratory, field, computational, data-analysis or scientific-writing experience relevant to the target lab.
- For Chemistry: address U.S. work authorization before applying because the current posting does not guarantee financial visa support.
- Apply before the final day: both current pools use 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM MT for full consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CSU Research Associate pools are currently open?
The current verified pools are Biology (R2026105589) and Chemistry (R2026105637).
What is the deadline?
Both current postings state 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time for full consideration.
Do all levels require a PhD?
No. Both current pools require at least a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline, while higher Biology levels require progressively more education and/or experience.
What is the salary?
The current Biology pool lists $30,000–$60,000; Chemistry lists $30,000–$55,000.
Can the roles be remote?
Some Biology positions may offer remote work, and Chemistry states that modality may be in-person, hybrid or remote depending on the hiring lab.
Does Chemistry guarantee visa support?
No. The Chemistry posting states that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the USA for the appointment and that the department does not guarantee financial visa support for hires from the pool.
Official Sources and Application Links
| Biology Open Pool | Research Associates I, II, III, IV and Senior · Requisition R2026105589 |
|---|---|
| Chemistry Open Pool | Research Associates I, II, III, IV and Senior · Requisition R2026105637 |
CareerAidHub verified both current CSU Workday postings on 25 September 2026. Because open-pool postings can be replaced or refreshed, applicants should check the official CSU posting immediately before submission.
