Job Description

Position Summary:

Colorado State University (CSU) is constructing a new laser facility, ATLAS, to be part of the Advanced Lasers for Extreme Photonics Center (ALEPH). The facility located at Colorado State University Foothills campus has the goal to advance laser science and technology and to conduct laser fusion and high energy density plasma research. Colorado State University seeks a Post-doctoral researcher with experience in lasers, including short pulse lasers, to work on their use in fusion energy related diagnostics. The position will also require working on the upgrade of the ALEPH laser and in making the ATLAS facility operational. The candidate must have significant experience in optical diagnostics and in the implementation of optical metrology.

Unit Description:

The Advanced Center for Extreme Photonics Center exists within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). ECE has 25 faculty members, 400 undergraduates, and 200 graduate students. More information can be found at lasers.colostate.edu and www.engr.colostate.edu/ece/.

Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins at the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The city is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States.

Full Consideration Date: October 5, 2026, 11:59 PM (MT).

Essential Job Duties:

• Conduct research on laser-matter interactions and high energy density plasma diagnostics connected to new grants.
• Design, implement, and calibrate optical diagnostics, including x-ray diagnostics and optical metrology.
• Support design and testing of laser subsystems in collaboration with group members.
• Mentor students and maintain close interaction with ATLAS faculty, research scientists, post docs, and graduate assistants.
• Write papers, present at conferences, and participate in project report meetings with the research group and external collaborators.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics with experience in x-ray diagnostics and lasers.
• Experience in x-ray diagnostics and lasers.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Experience with optical diagnostics including high resolution x-ray imaging,
• Experience with ultrafast lasers,
• Experience with mentoring students,
• Demonstrated experience in writing papers and presenting at conferences,

Salary Range

$72,000 - $80,000 (commensurate with experience)

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

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.

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

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.