Research Scientist / Scholar I, II, or III

Research Scientists/Scholars support the research mission of the School of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering through the development, execution, and dissemination of scholarly research activities. These positions conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute original and creative scholarly work, develop externally funded research programs, mentor students and research personnel, publish scientific findings, and contribute to the advancement of the School's research portfolio.

Appointments may be made at the Research Scientist/Scholar I, II, or III level based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, accomplishments, and demonstrated research independence. Assignments are based on departmental needs, available funding, research priorities, and the qualifications and expertise of the selected candidate.

Rank will be determined based on the successful candidate's education, experience, scholarly accomplishments, funding history, and demonstrated level of research independence consistent with Colorado State University's Research Scientist/Scholar career framework. Research Scientist/Scholar I appointments are typically appropriate for individuals with less than three years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience. Research Scientist/Scholar II appointments are typically appropriate for individuals with at least three years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience and demonstrated independent research accomplishments. Research Scientist/Scholar III appointments are typically appropriate for individuals with at least seven years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience and a demonstrated record of significant scholarly achievement, research leadership, and professional service.

School of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering

Varies based on departmental needs and available funding.

Salary Range:

$67,226 - $89,000

Full-time. Work schedules may vary based on research activities, project requirements, and funding obligations. Occasional evening, weekend, or travel commitments may be required.

• Develop and conduct independent and collaborative research programs aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the School.

• Design, execute, analyze, and interpret research studies and experiments.

• Prepare and publish scholarly manuscripts, technical reports, and other research products.

• Develop and submit proposals to federal agencies, foundations, industry sponsors, and other funding organizations.

• Collaborate with faculty investigators, research staff, students, and external partners on sponsored and non-sponsored research activities.

• Mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, research personnel, and postdoctoral scholars as appropriate.

• Present research findings at scientific conferences, professional meetings, and other scholarly venues.

• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, university, sponsor, laboratory safety, and research integrity requirements.

• Contribute to the growth and advancement of the School's research enterprise through collaboration, innovation, and scholarly engagement.

• Participate in service activities that support the research mission of the School, College, University, and scientific profession.

• Assist in the development of research infrastructure, laboratory capabilities, and collaborative partnerships that advance the School's strategic goals.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Required Criminal History Background Check.

• Successful completion of all required University onboarding and compliance training.

• Compliance with University policies regarding laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical hygiene, research integrity, export controls, data security, and responsible conduct of research, as applicable.

• Ability to work safely in laboratory, field, clinical, manufacturing, computational, or other research environments associated with assigned projects.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States by the proposed start date. Sponsorship may be available consistent with University policy.

• Occasional travel may be required.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support research activities.

May provide technical direction, mentoring, project leadership, or research oversight to students, research personnel, and other project participants. Direct supervisory responsibilities, if any, will be determined by project and funding needs.

Research Scientist/Scholar I:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline.

• Normally less than three years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience following completion of the doctoral degree.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative scholarly research.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications, presentations, or other research outputs.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to contribute to research projects individually and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Research Scientist/Scholar II:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline.

• Normally at least three years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.

• Demonstrated record of independent scholarly research and scientific productivity.

• Evidence of publications in refereed journals and presentations at scientific meetings.

• Demonstrated ability to participate in the planning and execution of research programs.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of externally funded research projects.

Research Scientist/Scholar III:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline.

• Normally at least seven years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.

• Demonstrated record of significant scholarly accomplishment and research independence.

• Evidence of sustained publication in refereed journals and presentations at national or international scientific meetings.

• Demonstrated success in obtaining or contributing substantially to externally funded research.

• Demonstrated leadership within research programs, professional organizations, or scientific collaborations.

• Demonstrated potential for continued leadership and growth within the research profession.

• Experience working in multidisciplinary research environments.

• Experience developing or supporting externally funded research proposals.

• Experience mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, or research personnel.

• Experience collaborating with academic, government, healthcare, industry, or community partners.

• Experience presenting research findings at national or international conferences.

• Demonstrated record of research innovation, technology development, intellectual property generation, or translational research activities.

• For Research Scientist/Scholar III, evidence of professional service, committee participation, conference organization, workshop leadership, scientific outreach, or other contributions to the research profession.

• Experience working in one or more areas aligned with the School's research mission, including biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, biomaterials, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, translational research, computational modeling, medical devices, sustainability, energy, or related disciplines.

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 posting will remain open until December 31, 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.

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.