Research Scientists I, II, or III - Open Pool

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

17d

About The Position

The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) at Colorado State University seeks applicants for Research Scientist I, II, and III positions supporting interdisciplinary research on environmental change, sustainability, ecosystem resilience, and social-ecological systems. Established in 1967, NREL is an internationally recognized leader in ecosystem science. Its collaborative research advances understanding of environmental systems and informs solutions to complex environmental challenges at local to global scales. Research programs cover environmental, agricultural, and natural resource topics, drawing on expertise in ecosystem modeling, biogeochemistry, geospatial science and remote sensing, and related disciplines. Research Scientists work within collaborative research groups and contribute to scientific activities specific to their research program. Duties, funding source, appointment duration, level of responsibility, and work modality (in-person, hybrid, or remote) vary by position; specific duties are defined in the linked requisition. The position reports to a more senior Research Scientist within NREL. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring research group. A pre-employment criminal background check is required for new hires. This is an evergreen posting: applications are reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. The pool expires April 30, 2027; applicants seeking consideration beyond that date must reapply. Applicants should upload a resume and cover letter. Applicants may redact information identifying their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. The salary range is $78,000–$130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and appointment level. Colorado State University describes its benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, with further benefits information available through the university.

Requirements

Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date.
Research Scientist I: fewer than 3 years of relevant professional research experience.
Research Scientist II: at least 3 years of relevant professional research experience.
Research Scientist III: at least 7 years of relevant professional research experience.
Upload a resume and cover letter.
Pre-employment criminal background check for new hires.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting interdisciplinary research.
Experience collaborating with research partners and stakeholders.
Record of scientific publication and scholarly communication.
Experience developing successful research proposals and securing external funding.
Expertise in one or more ecosystem science disciplines, methodologies, or analytical approaches, such as ecosystem modeling, biogeochemistry, geospatial science and remote sensing, ecology, environmental data science, or social science.

Responsibilities

Conduct field, laboratory, computational, geospatial, and/or social science research.
Design studies and analytical approaches to address scientific questions.
Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret research data.
Develop scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, and other research products.
Contribute to the development and management of externally funded research projects.
Collaborate with researchers, students, stakeholders, and partner organizations.