Job Description

The Department of Physics seeks applications from individuals who are interested in Research Scientist/Scholar I, II, III and Senior positions within the department which are temporary or special appointments for the 2025-2026 academic year. A detailed description of the department and Research Scientist/Scholars are available on the department web page http://www.physics.colostate.edu.

Salary Range:

$50,000-$90,000

Essential Job Duties:

Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:

• Conducting laboratory, field, or computational research activities.

• Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.

• Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation.

• Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation.

• Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

• Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Specific duties will be defined at the time of hire by the supervising faculty member.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department has limited funding and may not be able to sponsor a new H-1B visa for this position.

Supervision:

This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Physics. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline by the start date.

Research Scientist Level Requirements:

• Level I is for individuals who have obtained a Ph.D. (generally within the last three years) and have significant professional accomplishments.

• Level II is analogous to the Assistant Professor title for regular faculty. It generally includes people with three to seven years of experience beyond the Ph.D. and very significant professional accomplishments.

• Level III is analogous to the Associate Professor title for regular faculty. It generally includes individuals with more than seven years of experience beyond the Ph.D., and with extremely significant professional accomplishments.

• The Senior level is analogous to the full Professor title for regular faculty. It generally includes individuals well beyond the Ph.D. that have demonstrated outstanding, sustained, and extraordinary professional accomplishments, as well as professional leadership.

Ranking and qualifications within these levels are done on a case-by-case basis with factors that include the publication record, past research funding, professional honors and awards, decisive discoveries, and management experience.

Applicable department research areas include, among others, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, atomic and molecular optics, and high energy and astrophysics. The department also provides instruction for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Preferred Qualifications may vary by Hiring Manager, but may include:

• Prior research experience in a relevant discipline.

• Experience with laboratory, field, or computational research methods.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

• Experience with data analysis, scientific writing, or specialized research techniques relevant to the hiring lab.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. This is an evergreen posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. This pool will expire on June 30, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

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.

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.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

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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.

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.