Aerospace Propulsion Fellow

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct advanced computational research in laser-matter interactions, nonequilibrium gas dynamics, and aerospace applications within the Aerospace Propulsion and Diagnostics Laboratory (APDL) at Colorado State University.

The position will primarily support externally funded research involving the 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 will include supporting computational investigations of high-enthalpy flows and ablation-related phenomena relevant to atmospheric entry applications.

The Fellow will develop and implement computational models, perform numerical simulations, analyze and validate results against available experimental measurements, and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The role will also collaborate with faculty, students, and external research partners and contribute to the development of future research activities.

Link to Mechanical Engineering website: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/

Full Consideration Date: please apply by Monday, 11/30/2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Essential Job Duties:

• 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, including the use of high-performance computing resources as appropriate.

Decision Making:

• Develop and implement numerical models describing 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.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Background Check (required for all new hires).
• Legally authorized to work in the US by the proposed start date.

Supervision:

None

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Salary Range

$55,000 - $60,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.

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.

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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.