Job Description

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.

Diversity and inclusion are paramount values for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The department is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community, integrating these principles into both education and research. Faculty members actively contribute to this mission, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in the curriculum and broader scientific community.

For more information, you can visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s website at www.engr.colostate.edu/me/
Position Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU) is seeking a Research Associate in Engineering Process Modeling and Analysis. The selected individual will work with the Principal Investigator at CSU. The position is multi-faceted and will include the following:
Engineering processes modeling of algal systems
Dissemination of results through peer review conference presentations and publications
Research: The research will focus on engineering process modeling of algal systems. Work will include integrating experimental data and other dynamic modeling work into the foundational integrated model.

Mentoring: The position includes mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the PI. This includes working with graduate students to achieve not only research but professional development goals.

Dissemination: Journal articles, conference publications, and internal presentations will be generated and disseminated.

This is 12 month full-time position (with appropriate benefits: healthcare, medical, dental, vision, retirement.).
Required Job Qualifications
Master of Science in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field
Experience in life cycle assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA)
Experience with data analysis and interpretation
Experience developing and applying complex systems
Demonstrated ability to produce publications
Strong verbal and written English communication skills
Preferred Job Qualifications
Experience with life cycle inventory
Experience with software appropriate software
Background in statistical analysis and analytics
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
Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
Development of modular engineering process models
Development of concurrent and spatially explicit sustainability models
Optimization and evaluation of favorable configurations
Data reduction and evaluation of results
Modeling of various agricultural field trials in terms of (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA)
Percentage Of Time 80
Job Duty Category Documentation & Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
Write manuscripts to disseminate research findings
Support grant proposal reporting and future submissions by compiling data and summarizing results
Percentage Of Time 20
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
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.

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for 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.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Jason Quinn, [email protected]
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.