Job Description

Position Summary:

The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) at Colorado State University seeks applications for Research Scientist I, II, and III positions to support interdisciplinary research addressing environmental change, sustainability, ecosystem resilience, and social-ecological systems. Established in 1967, NREL is an internationally recognized leader in ecosystem science, conducting collaborative research that advances understanding of environmental systems and informs solutions to complex environmental challenges at local to global scales. Research programs encompass a broad range of environmental, agricultural, and natural resource topics and draw upon 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 each research program. Specific duties, funding source, appointment duration, level of responsibility, and work modality (in-person, hybrid, or remote) will vary by position.

Salary Range:

$78,000 - $130,000 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and appointment level.

Essential Job Duties:

Essential job duties vary depending on the research group and research program but may include:

• Conducting field, laboratory, computational, geospatial, and/or social science research.
• Designing studies and analytical approaches to address scientific questions.
• Collecting, managing, analyzing, and interpreting research data.
• Developing scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, and other research products.
• Contributing to the development and management of externally funded research projects.
• Collaborating with researchers, students, stakeholders, and partner organizations.

Specific duties will be defined on the linked requisition.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).

Supervision:

This position reports to a more senior Research Scientist within the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring research group.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D in a relevant field by the start date.

Research Scientist Level Requirements:

• Research Scientist I: Ph.D. in a relevant field and fewer than 3 years of relevant professional research experience.
• Research Scientist II: Ph.D. in a relevant field and at least 3 years of relevant professional research experience.
• Research Scientist III: Ph.D. in a relevant field and at least 7 years of relevant professional research experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred qualifications vary by position and may include:

• 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 (e.g., ecosystem modeling, biogeochemistry, geospatial science and remote sensing, ecology, environmental data science, social science, or related fields).

Application Instructions:

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. This is an evergreen posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. This pool will expire on April 30, 2027. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact: [email protected].

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.

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.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

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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.