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Research Scientist II, III or Senior - Ecosystem Science - Open Pool

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO, USA
USD 100k-160k / year
Posted on Oct 8, 2025
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Research Scientist II, III or Senior - Ecosystem Science - Open Pool

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please submit a cover letter outlining your specific area(s) of expertise, curriculum vitae or resume and the names and contact information of three professional 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.

This pool is valid through 12/31/25. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

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.

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information
Working Title Research Scientist II, III or Senior - Ecosystem Science - Open Pool
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202500904AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week
Proposed Annual Salary Range $100,000 - $160,000
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.
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/31/2025
Description of Work Unit
The NREL is a research and teaching unit at Colorado State University with a mission “to ensure the sustainability of the Earth’s ecosystems through the generation and application of new knowledge.” The department’s interdisciplinary, ecosystem research promotes collaborations among disciplines and across fields of expertise at CSU and throughout the world. As a soft-money research unit, this role is critical to ensure adequate funding to sustain its vital role in the research community both locally and across the globe.
Position Summary
The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory is accepting applications on an ongoing basis from individuals who are interested in obtaining a research position within the department. Special Research Scientist positions (Level II, III or Senior) may become available throughout the year. Rankings and qualifications within the levels are done on a case-by-case basis with factors that include the complexity of research, specialized skills, publication record, and record of acquiring research funding through competitive proposals, contract, and/or donations. Annual terms and reappointment may depend on performance and/or the continued availability of funding.
Required Job Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in Ecology, Ecosystem Science, or a related field.
Required qualification, rank and salary determined by specific position to be filled.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Level II is for individuals with a PhD and at least 3 years of post-doctoral work or its equivalent.
    • A Research Scientist II is expected to participate actively in research and in the planning of and solicitation of support for research projects, and to demonstrate initiative by submitting papers to refereed journals and presenting papers at national scientific meetings.
  • Level III is for individuals with a PhD and at least 7 years of post-doctoral work or its equivalent.
    • A Research Scientist III is expected to show substantial accomplishment in research, which may include regular publication of articles in refereed journals, regular presentation of papers at national or international scientific meetings, award of patents, and/or successful raising of research support funding.
    • The individual will also be expected to provide service to the profession by serving on external committees or organizing or chairing national and/or international meetings, workshops, etc., or by scientific public outreach.
  • Level Senior is for individuals with a PhD who, because of outstanding, sustained, superior performance is recognized by his or her peers as an accomplished senior researcher and leader in her or his field.
    • Researchers with this title will have made outstanding contributions in research and achieved international recognition, as evidenced by original publications in peer-reviewed journals, award of patents, service in national and international organizations and review groups, and continued research funding.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Essential Duties
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit a cover letter outlining your specific area(s) of expertise, curriculum vitae or resume and the names and contact information of three professional 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.

This pool is valid through 12/31/25. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

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 Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Lauren Ackein, lauren.ackein@colostate.edu
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 Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume or CV
Optional Documents
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