Aerospace Propulsion Postdoctoral Fellow

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

6d • $55,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct advanced computational research in laser-matter interactions, nonequilibrium gas dynamics, and aerospace applications within Colorado State University's Aerospace Propulsion and Diagnostics Laboratory (APDL). The position primarily supports externally funded research on numerical modeling of laser-induced plasmas and continuous optical discharges, including energy deposition, plasma evolution, thermochemical nonequilibrium, and coupled thermal and fluid-dynamic processes. Additional research activities include computational investigations of high-enthalpy flows and ablation-related phenomena relevant to atmospheric entry.

The Fellow will develop and implement computational models, perform numerical simulations, analyze and validate results against available experimental measurements, and communicate findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The role collaborates with faculty, students, external research partners, and experimental researchers, and contributes to future research activities, technical reports, and proposals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline, completed by the proposed employment start date.
• Demonstrated research experience in computational modeling of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, plasma physics, combustion, or related physical processes.
• Experience developing and implementing numerical models and conducting scientific simulations.
• Proficiency in scientific programming using Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran, or equivalent programming languages.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and communicate scientific findings effectively.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date.
• Must complete a pre-employment background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience modeling laser-induced plasmas, laser–matter interactions, or continuous optical discharges.
• Knowledge of thermochemical nonequilibrium, plasma kinetics, vibrational relaxation, and coupled energy-transfer processes.
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), compressible flows, or multiphysics modeling.
• Familiarity with high-enthalpy gas dynamics, atmospheric entry environments, or material ablation modeling.
• Experience with numerical model validation, sensitivity analysis, and comparison of computational predictions with experimental measurements.
• Experience using high-performance computing resources for scientific simulations.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct computational investigations of laser-induced plasma formation, femtosecond-initiated continuous optical discharges, and associated energy deposition and transport phenomena.
• Conduct computational investigations of high-enthalpy gas flows, nonequilibrium thermochemical processes, and material ablation phenomena relevant to hypersonic atmospheric entry applications.
• Implement, execute, and maintain scientific simulation codes, numerical algorithms, and computational workflows, using high-performance computing resources as appropriate.
• Develop and implement numerical models of laser-induced plasma formation, energy transfer, thermochemical nonequilibrium, and coupled fluid-dynamic processes.
• Evaluate model predictions against experimental measurements and identify limitations, sources of uncertainty, and opportunities for model improvement.
• Contribute to technical reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, scientific presentations, and research proposals.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to integrate computational predictions with ongoing laboratory investigations.

Benefits

• Robust benefits package
• Collaborative atmosphere
• Focus on work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree