Job Description

As part of its commitment to expand its world-recognized high intensity laser science and technology program with applications that include laser-matter interactions, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications and nominations for a tenure track faculty position to start in Fall 2026. Candidates are sought with interests that complement and expand upon current research and teaching activities in the Department in the area of high intensity laser-matter interactions, high power lasers, and their applications to high energy density science including laser fusion. ECE is home to the Advanced Lasers for Extreme Photonics Center, and is a very active node of LaserNet US, a Department of Energy (DOE) network of the most powerful lasers in North America. ECE is the lead of the RISE Fusion Energy hub funded by DOE, and a co-lead of the NSF/Moore Foundation Center for Coatings Research. In support of this research CSU is building the $ 150 M ATLAS facility to be completed in early 2027 that will house state-of-the-art petawatt class lasers. ATLAS is a public-private partnership with Marvel Fusion that will offer unique capabilities to advance high energy density science and laser fusion. The candidate will be expected to embrace the university research and educational mission by contributing to establish a vibrant sponsored research in high power laser- matter interactions, ultra-intense lasers and applications, embracing the opportunity to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and educating next generation of leaders. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure track, faculty position. 
 
As one of the nation’s top public research universities, Colorado State University is a land-grant institution, with enrollment of more than 33,000 students. CSU offers 76 undergraduate degree programs, 114 graduate degree programs, 21 professional master’s degree programs, and a Professional Veterinary Medicine program. CSU’s world-class research and scholarship attract more than $400 million in research funding every year, ranking second nationally in federal research funding for universities without a medical school. Fort Collins is an attractive community of approximately 170,000 located along the Colorado Front Range at the base of the Rocky Mountains, 65 miles north of Denver. The city is routinely recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. It consistently ranks high on quality-of-life measures by numerous publications; see https://www.fcgov.com/visitor/awards for the complete list. 
 
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has 24 faculty members, 440 undergraduates, and 190 graduate students. It has cross-cutting research programs in high intensity lasers and photonics including advanced optical coatings, laser-plasma interactions, electromagnetics and remote sensing; biomedical engineering; communications and signal processing; computer engineering and controls and robotics. ECE boasts three Colorado State University Distinguished Professors and one University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, the highest recognition available for CSU faculty. More than 30% of ECE faculty hold IEEE Fellow distinction and one is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Many faculty have courtesy appointments in the departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Systems Engineering and collaborate with faculty in these and other departments across CSU. Furthermore, several ECE faculty hold appointments in the Biomedical Engineering Program. More information on the department can be found at www.engr.colostate.edu/ece. 
 
The city offers a pleasant climate with excellent schools and abundant cultural and recreational opportunities nearby. For more information on Fort Collins, check out the City’s website: www.visitftcollins.com. 

Essential Job Duties 

Research - 50% 

• Expected to be active member of ATLAS (Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science Facility), contributing to research efforts of the new facility and its future upgrades, teaming up with CSU faculty and researchers to cement and further grow the Center into one of the world leading institutes in high-power lasers, high energy density science and technology, and laser fusion. 

• Contribute to educate and train graduate and undergraduate students that will have successful careers. 

• Publish in leading peer-reviewed journals and present research results at national and international conferences. 

Teaching - 40% 

• Provide intellectual leadership and excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in electrical and/or computer engineering and/or SMSE. 

• Develop new courses at the graduate level within the candidate’s area of research focus. 

Service and Outreach - 10% 

• Serve the academic community and contribute to university outreach. 

• Serve on department, college, and university level committees where appropriate. 

Required Job Qualifications 

• PhD degree in electrical engineering, physics or related discipline. 

• Evidence of a strong scholarly activity in the form of research publications and extra-mural funding in areas relevant to the position.  

• Commitment to the responsibilities of a faculty member – education, research, and service – as demonstrated in the application. 

• Research focus in areas within the field of high power laser- matter interactions, ultra-intense lasers and applications. 

• At least six years of experience in ultra-intense laser matter interactions. 

• The candidate will have the potential to conduct vibrant sponsored research in high power laser- matter interactions, ultra-intense lasers and applications; the ability to effectively teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels; and the interest to serve the department, university, and professional community. 

Preferred Job Qualifications 

Full professor: 

• Strong, internationally recognized research contributions. 

• Ability to garner significant external support. 

• Strength of publication record commensurate with experience, including impact, and quality of publications. 

• Complement/expand upon the department’s current research and teaching activities. 

• Potential for continued extraordinary scholarship. 

• Teaching and mentoring experience and enthusiasm. 

• Ability to establish collaborations with other CSU faculty and researchers of the Advanced Center for Extreme Photonics Center in conducting innovative research utilizing the ATLAS facility. 

Salary Range

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.

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.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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.