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Biomedical or Public Health Research Scientist

State of Colorado
Full-time
On-site
Pueblo, Colorado, United States
$72,000 - $92,000 USD yearly


Department Information


The ICR is an official State of Colorado research organization hosted by Colorado State University Pueblo. The ICRs mission is to generate new knowledge of cannabis and its derivatives through research and education that improves lives and contributes to science, medicine, and society. The Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) is responsible for implementing cannabis research and dissemination of cannabis research results through initiatives including, conducting research at CSU Pueblo, funding research at Colorado institutions of higher education and their partners, hosting an international cannabis research conference, and the publication of its research journal, Journal of Cannabis Research.


Description of Job


The Research Scientist reports to the Director of the ICR. The individual in this position is expected to conduct unbiased research that advances our understanding of cannabis, its potential applications, and/or impacts on people and society. Specifically, the Research Scientist will be expected to lead research efforts focused on biomedical research or public health research related to cannabis. The Research Scientist will be provided a base research budget but is expected to develop an externally funded research program and will be encouraged to collaborate with researchers external to the ICR and CSU Pueblo as well as to provide research opportunities for students.

Primary Duties
Maintains an active research program in biomedical or public health research related to cannabis and supporting the work of the Institute of Cannabis Research

Prepares applications for external funding from state, federal, and international agencies to support cannabis research under their direction. Applications will be submitted  in collaboration with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Publishes research results as the lead author and collaborates on manuscripts published in peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships/relations with academic and other qualified researchers within the state of Colorado, and possibly beyond the state. This includes active collaboration with ICR researchers. Evaluates research opportunities with collaborating organizations as a representative of the ICR.

Maintains a knowledge of current cannabis research within their area of research expertise. Advises the ICR, its Director, and possibly its Governing Board on relevant new research, research trends, and policies impacting cannabis research.

Represents the ICR as a member of the Cannabis Research Conference Program Planning Committee, and actively participates in ICR events.

Ancillary Duties

Other assignments and events as assigned by the Director.

Salary Range
$72,000-$92,000 per year 


Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights


Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree (ABD) from an accredited institution of higher learning in a field relevant to medical or public health research related to cannabis (broadly defined). Candidates for a doctoral degree (ABD) will be considered but conferral of the degree must be completed within 6 months of position start.
  • Evidence of strong writing skills to communicate with peer and lay audiences
  • Project management experience
  • Experience of developing and maintaining professional research collaborations,
  • Experience with current research methods, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, presentation and dissemination of research results.
  • Experience managing multiple projects in a timely fashion in a fast-paced environment with competing time demands
  • Experience with presentations at national conferences, and at academic and professional settings
  • Experience in a position or activity that required strong ability to communicate verbally with peer and lay audiences
Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in a field relevant to medical or public health research related to cannabis (broadly defined) 
  • Evidence of experience publishing research results in peer-reviewed biomedical or public health sciences journals (broadly defined) 
  • Evidence of success in securing external funding (e.g. NIH, NSF, foundations, etc.)
  • Scholarly productivity (publications in peer reviewed literature)
  • Experience directing/managing others in a research setting
  • Cannabis research experience
  • Experience securing and completing research grants at the college or university level
  • Knowledge of best practices in the involvement of humans and vertebrate animals in research as governed by IRB and IACUC protocols


Supplemental Information


 All interested candidates must apply through the online application system.
 No other format of application materials will be accepted.

Applicants must attach the following documents, in order to be considered for this position: 
  1. a letter of intent (cover letter) detailing the extent to which you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position
  2. a brief (2-page, max) summary of your intended biomedical or public health cannabis-related research plan 
  3. a current resume or CV
  4. unofficial or official transcripts showing required degree conferred
Additionally, applicants must include current contact information for three professional references, either within the online application or as an attachment.

Applications submitted without the required attachments/information above will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes or add information to their application packet, with the exception of their personal contact and demographic information.

Early submission of application materials is encouraged. Screening of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo is a comprehensive state university with an enrollment of 4,000 students.  CSU Pueblo provides relevant professional coursework and superior instruction with a small student-to-faculty ratio for an ever-changing global economy.
Students can choose from 38 undergraduate programs with 70 fields of study in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; the Hasan School of Business, the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; and the College of Health, Education, and Nursing; and 15 graduate programs.
 
 CSU Pueblo is dedicated to interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship that elevates our people and our community, creates educational opportunities, fosters unique collaborations, and supports inclusion, access, and affordability as a gateway to the world. CSU Pueblo is equally committed to serving the diverse population of the region; this emphasis is reflected in the demographic characteristics of the student body. Because more than 25 percent of our students are Hispanic, the Federal Government has designated CSU Pueblo a Hispanic Serving Institution.  Besides reflecting our commitment to serve this critically important and rapidly growing segment of the student population, that designation also allows the University to compete for certain federal grant funds to support its ability to better serve all students.  
 
 Among its unique features, CSU Pueblo is one of seven schools in the nation to offer a degree in mechatronics, which combines electrical and mechanical engineering. The Hasan School of Business ranks among the top 15 percent of all business schools internationally with graduate and undergraduate programs in business administration accredited by the AACSB International Board of Directors. The College of STEM houses an undergraduate engineering program that was ranked in the nation's top 100 by U.S. News and World Report.  CSU Pueblo has an ever-changing campus landscape that features a newly renovated Library, a new general academic classroom building, and a newly renovated and expanded student center.
 
 At CSU Pueblo, Student Life offerings have increased significantly with the transition of the campus from a commuter environment to a more traditional collegiate experience.  Competing at the NCAA Division II level, CSU Pueblo is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and offers 22 varsity intercollegiate sports and also has active intramural and club sports teams that allow students to get involved in campus life.

Colorado State University Pueblo offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical and prescription insurance
  • Dental insurance 
  • Vision insurance 
  • Flexible benefit plan 
  • Basic term life insurance 
  • Voluntary term life and AD&D lnsurance 
  • Long-term disability insurance 
  • Employee assistance program 
  • Travel accident insurance 
  • Voluntary critical illness and accident insurance 
  • Annual and sick leave
  • Retirement plans
  • Employee and dependent tuition discounts
  • State employee discounts via BenefitHub
       Other incentives include various on-campus event, recreation, and meal discounts.
 
About Pueblo, Colorado 
The city of Pueblo is a historically and culturally rich, diverse city of more than 100,000, located in the southern part of the state along the Arkansas River near the Wet Mountains and the majestic Sangre de Cristo range. Pueblo enjoys ideal year-round climate with four distinct mild seasons, crisp mountain air and 300+ days of sunshine per year. Pueblo attracts outdoor enthusiasts to a full slate of summer and winter recreational activities, encompassing water sports at Lake Pueblo, biking or running along Pueblo's beautiful river trail system, golfing, tennis, hiking or skiing in the mountains to the west.  The region is heavily agricultural, with large and small-scale farming and ranching, and a diverse mix of service, manufacturing, and technology industries.
 
CSU Pueblo is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history (felony and misdemeanor), national sex offender search, and/or motor vehicle history. Candidates who are extended an offer of employment must submit to and pass a background check prior to beginning employment. Some positions depending on the job duties may be required to complete a DMV and/or credit check.
 
The University reserves the right to check additional references, with prior notification given to the candidate.
 
 Note: The successful candidate must provide official transcripts of academic work completed and, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, be able to submit evidence of the ability to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.
 
 It is the policy of Colorado State University Pueblo to provide reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities.  If you need accommodations, please contact the Office of  Human Resources& Institutional Equity at (719) 549-2441 or 
hr@csupueblo.edu.
 
 In compliance with the Clery Act of 1990, the University's annual security report is available at: https://www.csupueblo.edu/campus-safety. 
 
 Colorado State University Pueblo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Additionally, the University complies with all other relevant, federal, state, and local laws regarding employment practices.