Assistant Research Professor for Electric Propulsion & Plasma Engineering

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 134,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks an Assistant Professor to develop an internationally recognized research program focused on in-space propulsion and plasma devices. You will advise students, publish, and secure external funding while serving CSU’s mission through research and service.

Minimum qualifications include a PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with propulsion/plasma emphasis; a strong publication record; teaching ability; and experience securing external funding as PI/Co‑PI.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field with propulsion/plasma emphasis.
• Evidence of research productivity or strong potential to establish a sustainable scholarly program (publications, grants).
• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• At least three years of professional research beyond master's in electric propulsion testing and plasma diagnostics.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications in propulsion/plasma fields, including first‑author work.
• Demonstrated success securing external research funding as PI/Co‑PI from federal agencies or industry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and publish research; pursue external funding and contribute to scholarly advancement.
• Provide service to department, university, profession, and community in support of CSU’s mission.
• Collaborate with companies to secure contracts and conduct testing.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; train daily research activities.
• Advise or co‑advise and graduate multiple PhD students per year.
• Manage budgets, expenditures, deliverables, and sponsor reporting for sponsored projects.

Skills

Research productivity

Teaching effectiveness

Mentoring

Grant acquisition

Industry collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Job Description Position Summary

The Assistant Professor is expected to develop an internationally recognized research program with a concentration on in-space propulsion and plasma devices. They will advise students and provide service to the university. The role will demonstrate a commitment to CSU’s mission through research and service.

Full Consideration Date: Monday, 11/09/2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct and publish research, pursue external funding, and contribute to scholarly advancement in the field.
• Provide service to the department, university, profession, and community in support of CSU’s mission.
• Conduct and publish research, pursue external funding, and contribute to scholarly advancement in the propulsion and plasma-based systems.
• Secure patents and publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Secure single PI and multi-PI research grants in plasma propulsion and engineering topics.
• Collaborate with companies to secure commercial contracts and conduct testing.
• Mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Train students and manage daily research activities.
• Advise or co-advise and successfully graduate multiple PhD graduate students per year.
• Provide service to the department, university, profession, and community in support of CSU’s mission.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for all new hires). Legally authorized to work in the US by the proposed start date.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field, with a research emphasis on electric propulsion or plasma engineering.
• Evidence of research productivity or strong potential to establish a sustainable scholarly program (e.g., publications, presentations, grant activity).
• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• At least three years of professional research experience beyond the master's degree in electric propulsion testing and plasma diagnostics, including hands‑on operation of high‑vacuum test facilities.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in electric propulsion or plasma physics, including first‑author journal articles and conference papers.
• Demonstrated success securing external research funding as PI or Co‑PI from federal agencies and/or industry sponsors.
• Experience managing sponsored research projects, including budgets, expenditures, deliverables, and sponsor reporting.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in experimental research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as PI on federally sponsored research (e.g., DoD, DARPA, NASA, AFOSR).
• Experience directing a university research laboratory or test facility, including managing vacuum infrastructure, staffing, and operations.
• Track record of managing industry testing‑services contracts and commercial collaborations.
• Inventor on a patent or patent application related to electric propulsion or plasma testing.
• Hands‑on expertise across multiple plasma diagnostic families — electrostatic probes (Langmuir, RPA, ExB, ESA), laser‑based diagnostics (LIF/TALIF, Thomson scattering), and time‑resolved measurements.
• Experience developing electron sources and hollow cathodes, including alternative‑propellant compatibility (e.g., iodine, oxygen).
• Experience applying data‑driven, causal‑inference, or machine‑learning methods to plasma‑device telemetry.
• Participation in community recommended‑practice or standards efforts in electric propulsion.
• Experience preparing SBIR/STTR and other proposals in partnership with small businesses.
• Established collaborations with NASA centers, national laboratories, or peer universities.
• University‑level teaching or laboratory instruction experience.

Salary Range

$134,000 - $138,000

Required Application Documents

• 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.

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. Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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