Job Description
Posting Details
Posting Detail Information
Working Title Research Scientists I / II - Advanced Laser Diagnostics - Open Pool Position Location Fort Collins, CO Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional Position Yes Posting Number 202401829AP Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional Classification Title Number of Vacancies Work Hours/Week Proposed Annual Salary Range Research Scientist I - $50,000-$90,000; Research Scientist II $75,000-$125,000; Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. 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, commitment to
diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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- Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 07/20/2025 Description of Work Unit
Colorado State University is a premier public research institution, with over 34,000 students and a focus on sustainability. CSU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 76 undergraduate degrees, 114 graduate degrees, and 21 professional master’s programs. Renowned for its world-class research, CSU attracts over $370 million in annual research funding, ranking second nationally in federal research support for universities without a medical school.
Situated in Fort Collins, a community of approximately 170,000, CSU benefits from its location along the Colorado Front Range, nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Fort Collins consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, boasting a pleasant climate, excellent schools, and abundant cultural and recreational opportunities.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at CSU is a key player in the university’s academic landscape. With 46 faculty members, 13 staff members, 1,000 undergraduate students, and 150 graduate students, it stands as one of the largest and most productive departments on campus. State-of-the-art labs provide hands-on experience for undergraduates, while annual research expenditures exceeding $13 million offer groundbreaking opportunities for graduate students, particularly in areas of health science, materials science, and research on energy and environment.
Our research group, the Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics, led by Professor Azer Yalin, is housed within state-of-the-art facilities at CSU’s Powerhouse Energy Campus and CSU’s Engineering Research Center. Our group is a research leader in the area of laser diagnostics of plasma, electric propulsion, combustion, and the atmosphere.
For more information, you can visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s website at
Position Summary
The Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics (Yalin group) at Colorado State University is, on an ongoing basis, seeking highly skilled, motivated, and independent Research Scientist I or II to contribute laser diagnostic expertise to our group’s research efforts. We are looking for candidates who can support one or more projects in broad areas of advanced propulsion and/or hydrogen emissions monitoring.
Research on the advanced propulsion side is oriented at developing and applying new laser diagnostics to electric propulsion (EP) systems with emphasis on detailed, spatially- and temporally- resolved, species-specific measurements. A new effort, to be funded by the USSF, seeks to examine operation of EP devices on molecular propellants. A key step will be to develop novel Doppler-based LIF diagnostics for measuring ion velocities (IVDFs) of relevant ionic species in these systems. For the molecular propellants it will also be important to measure rotationally- and vibrationally- resolved species populations.
Our effort on measuring atmospheric hydrogen emissions are in support of the burgeoning hydrogen economy and will be supported by ARPA-E H2Sense program. The approach, for sensitive and quantitative measurements, is to use the Photoacoustic Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (PARS) method. Research tasks will include design, development and optimization of the full PARS system including a Raman cell pumping scheme, a photoacoustic cavity, and an optical multi-pass cell (around the PA cavity) to increase signal levels. The PARS sensor will be developed and tested for real-world outdoor usage, in partnership with NOAA and NREL, with an eye to developing a commercial product.
We seek research scientists who can contribute to one or both of the above projects. Research scientists will also be expected to produce high-quality research and present their work at conferences and via peer-reviewed publications.
Positions may become available throughout the year. Ranking and qualification within the levels are done on a case-by-case basis with factors that include the complexity of research and specialized skills. Annual terms and reappointment may depend on performance and/or continued availability of funding.
Required Job Qualifications Research Scientist I is for individuals with a PhD and less than 3 years of relevant professional experience.
Research Scientist II is for individuals with a PhD and 3-7 years of relevant professional experience.
- Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of total experience (can include graduate school) in hands-on laser spectroscopy and/or laser diagnostics.
- Ability to design, conduct, analyze and publish experimental research as evidenced by candidate’s publication record.
Preferred Job Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience with trace-gas or species-specific detection via laser spectroscopy using LIF, TLDAS, WMS, cavity ring-down spectroscopy or photoacoustic spectroscopy, with application to plasma or combustion diagnostics or to atmospheric sensing.
- Demonstrated experience in the operation of plasmas and plasma sources (e.g., cathodes, ion thrusters, Hall effect thrusters) within vacuum chamber setups and knowledge of associated vacuum hardware (pumps, flow systems, pressure gauges etc.).
- Demonstrated experience with pulsed laser diagnostic techniques for gas-phase (or plasma) measurements including Raman scattering, stimulated Raman scattering, CARS, PARS, Rayleigh scattering, Thomson scattering etc.
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.
Essential Duties
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please Submit (upload) The Following Documents - Cover letter addressing the requirements of the position
- CV or Resume
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.
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.
This pool is valid through July 20, 2025. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires) Search Contact Azer Yalin, Azer.Yalin@ColoState.EDU EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The
Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,
titleix@colostate.edu .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,
oeo@colostate.edu .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,
oeo@colostate.edu .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the
Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
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 0 Maximum Requested 0
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have at least 7 years of experience (can include graduate school) in hands-on laser spectroscopy and/or laser diagnostics?
- * IMPORTANT NOTE: This position is located at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado which is approximately 55 MILES NORTH OF DENVER. Are you willing and able to accept work at this location?
- * Will you have a PhD by the position start date?
Applicant Documents
Required Documents - Cover Letter
- Resume or CV
Optional Documents
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Outdoor,