Research Associates I, II, III, IV and Senior Positions

The Department of Physics at Colorado State University has roughly 20 faculty members with research programs in atomic, molecular, and optical physics; condensed matter physics; and high-energy physics and particle astrophysics. Additional information about the Department of Physics can be found on the department website: http://www.physics.colostate.edu.

The Department of Physics at Colorado State University seeks applications for temporary or special Research Associates I, II, III, IV and Senior positions to support research programs across a broad range of disciplines.

Please note 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.

Salary Range:

$40,000 - $80,000

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

• Conduct independent and collaborative research aligned with the goals of the principal investigator and department.

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments or studies; interpret results and maintain accurate research records.

• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences and seminars.

• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, progress reports, and other funding-related materials.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research techniques and scholarly development.

• Participate in departmental activities, research group meetings, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

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

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

No direct supervision; assistance with mentoring research students.

• PhD in Physics or closely related field.

• 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.

• Level I is an entry-level position for individuals with a Bachelors degree and less than 3 years of experience.

• Level II is the position to which a Research Associate I is promoted after 3 years, or an individual with a Bachelors degree and more than 3 years of relevant experience or a recent Masters degree with no additional professional experience.

• Level III is the position to which a Research Associate II is promoted, or an individual with a Bachelors degree and 5 years of work-related experience or a Masters degree with at least 2 year of experience. An individual with a PhD that does not have any additional experience may also be appointed to this position.

• Level IV is the level to which a Research Associate III is promoted, or an individual with a Bachelors degree and 10 years of work-related experience. An individual with a Masters degree with more than 5 years experience may be appointed to this position, as well as a PhD who has at least 2 years experience.

• The Senior level is the level to which a Research Associate IV is promoted, or individuals with extensive post-baccalaureate experience or a Masters degree and significant professional experience. Individuals with a PhD with at least 5 years of experience may also be eligible.

Interested individuals should submit a current resume and a statement of research experience and interest. Please note that there will be one section to upload all required documents. This pool is valid through August 30, 2026, at which time all 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.

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.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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.

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.