Energy Institute Research Associate – Open Pool

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking Research Associates I–III to support field campaigns, analyze data, and develop digital twin models at the Powerhouse Energy Campus and METEC facility in Fort Collins, CO. The role involves lab operations, instrumentation, and collaboration with researchers and staff across levels.

Occasional travel may be required; hybrid/on-site work is available. Positions emphasize strong communication, data handling, and mechanical/physical science expertise to advance

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented with high level of attention to safe operation of lab/industrial equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Background in physical sciences with focus on mechanical systems, fluids and gases.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations for research including lab system maintenance.
• Design, maintain and operate experiments and digital twin models.
• Participate in field measurement campaigns.
• Collaborate to develop instrumentation and data collection protocols.
• Lead research projects with minimal oversight and present results.
• Assist in writing papers and disseminating results.
• Travel occasionally for field work.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

Instrumentation

Data loggers

Sensors calibration

Controls

Digital twin modeling

Job description

## Energy Institute Research Associate – Open PoolApply: Eligible for hybrid/on-site work: Fort Collins, CO: Full time: Posted Today: R2026107791# Job DescriptionThis position resides at the Powerhouse Energy Campus and METEC facility, both of which are industrial working environments. Research Associates from level I-III will collaborate with project coordinator(s), Senior Research Associates, Directors and Research Scientists to conduct research efforts including field work to assess emissions at a variety of locations, analysis of data, and/or the development of simulation software. Additionally, the Research Associates will foster relationships with customers and other research groups engaged in collaborative projects. The roles will build strong and positive working relationships with staff, unit directors, researchers, campus faculty and administrators, as well as external community and business partners as required with each project grant. Occasional travel and working non-standard hours are expected. The Research Associates I, II, or III will support other organizational priorities, as defined by the director of the Zimmerle Research Group. **Department Website**: https://energy.colostate.edu/, https://metec.colostate.edu/## **Essential Job Duties:*** Responsible for the day-to-day operations for research efforts. This includes but is not limited to construction and maintenance of physical laboratory systems, and/or construction and maintenance of digital twin models of these systems. Tasks include design, maintenance, and operations of experiments and actively participating in research efforts.* Participation in field measurement campaigns may be required.* Participate in design and fabrication of experimental cyber-physical experiments and understand the impacts to data collection and analysis. Job drives all activities related to complete segments of testing and development for 1-3 projects simultaneously with minimal oversight.* Collaborate with colleagues to develop written instrumentation and data collection practices, standard protocols and manuals.* Contribute to early-stage design, scope development, and budget construction of experimental systems. Assist in writing papers, reports and otherwise disseminating research results.* Facilitate and/or lead research projects with minimal day-to-day oversight from the supervising scientist, including experimental planning, data collection, project data analysis, and publication efforts. Present results of research at appropriate forums. ## **Salary Range:**$65,000-$110,000## **Supervision:*** This position supervises graduate and undergraduate research assistants and provides supervision for clients and affiliated staff while conducting testing scenarios during field campaigns.## **Minimum Qualifications:**Research Associate Minimum Qualifications by level:* Research Associate I: Bachelor’s degree and fewer than 3 years of relevant, post-baccalaureate professional research experience.* Research Associate II: Bachelor’s degree with more than 3 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master’s degree.* Research Associate III: Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 2 years of experience.* Individuals with a PhD and no prior experience may be appointed at the Research Associate III level, if appropriate. Additional Minimum Qualifications for all levels:* Detail-oriented with high level of attention to safe operation of laboratory and industrial equipment.* Strong written and verbal communication skills.* Strong physical science background focused on mechanical system, fluids, and gasses.* Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with researchers, faculty, and students for advising and troubleshooting as well as ability to explain complex procedures. Jobs in pool will be split between hands-on laboratory development, and related software development. Candidates should have peak strength in at least one of the two areas.Laboratory development:* Experience with pressurized gas systems.* Experience acquiring, analyzing, and doing quality control on large data sets, including statistical analyses.* Experience with instrumentation, data loggers, sensors (acquisition, installation, application, calibration, recording), and controls.* Demonstratable ability to troubleshoot, debug and repair hardware systems.* Experience with installation, configuration, calibration, operation of scientific instrumentation.Laboratory software:* Experience developing custom software to acquire, analyze, and automate analysis tasks.* Experience with statistical and/or AI analysis methods.* Experience with computer simulation of dynamic physical systems.## **Preferred Qualifications:*** Prior coursework or research experience in a mechanical, chemical, or petroleum engineering or related field with strong physical science background.* Prior coursework or research experience in operation of industrial facilities, especially oil and gas facilities.* Experience with laboratory, field, or computational research methods.* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.* Experience with data analysis, scientific writing, or specialized research techniques.## **Conditions of Employment:*** Applicant must be authorization to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.* Pre-employment Background Check-motor vehicle.* Occasional travel.* Work during non-standard hours is expected.## Application Instructions:To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. This evergreen posting will remain open and continue collecting applications until December 31, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered after this date must reapply.