Researcher II Requisition ID: 2026-10411 # of Openings: 1 Location: Category: Research (non-Faculty) Position Type: Benefited Full-Time Job Classification: Exempt College: Quinney College of Agric and Nat Res Department: Wildland Resources Advertised Salary: Minimum $65,000 commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits Overview 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. Responsibilities 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. Qualifications 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 Required Documents 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 tahe beginning of the application * Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application Document size may not exceed 10 MB. Advertised Salary Minimum $65,000 commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits ADA 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... For full info follow application link. USU recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the university's academic mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. USU is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any of its programs and activities based on race, color, religion, s ex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or local, state, or federal law (https://equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination).