Job Summary

The Center for National Security Initiatives at CU Boulder is encouraging applications for a research position in Computational Solid Mechancis at the Postdoctoral Associate, Research Associate or Principal Research Associate level, who will support the growth of the campus's National Security research enterprise. This position will report to leadership within the Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI), within the Research & Innovation Office (RIO). You will be responsible for developing groundbreaking research associated with the National Security enterprise, identifying new sponsored research opportunities with Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) partners, and preparing and executing strategic proposals in collaboration with other CU Boulder faculty and NSI researchers. Candidates will be focused on strategic development of a nationally recognized research program, with an emphasis on applied research in the National Security space.

Computational Solid Mechanics: Requires expertise in the development and application of advanced computational tools for analysis of material and structural performance in extreme environments. Specific application areas include (1) hypersonic systems: material response including ablation and pyrolysis; (2) laser-material interactions: ablation, phase change; and (3) energetic materials: structural response, combustion, phase change, surface chemistry, and microstructural effects. The successful candidate will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team on a variety of projects related to national security and be proficient in the development of simulation capabilities within the context of a software best practices environment (e.g., version control, build systems, continuous integration and deployment, computational environment management, etc.). Demonstrated experience in the development of boundary value problem solvers (e.g., finite element) using modern programming languages (e.g., C/C++/Python/Julia) is expected to be necessary for successful performance of the role.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Develop and execute on research proposals, key research tasks, and deliverables in support of DoD, IC, and Aerospace and Defense Industry customers.
• Develop a nationally recognized research program in National Security that strategically supports the missions of NSI and the National Security enterprise.
• Provide technical leadership of research projects or project subtasks and coordinate across academic departments and research groups for interdisciplinary efforts.
• Summarize results and provide required documentation and SW/HW deliverables to sponsors.
• Engage Government and Industry sponsors, with support from NSI Staff, to shape strategic research opportunities and win research contracts.
• Understand and communicate key challenges and R&D priorities regarding DoD and other national security organizations to develop the CU Boulder applied research portfolio.
• Provide recommended prioritization of new sponsored research opportunities to the NSI leadership team.
• Establish and leverage professional network with key customers, influencers, and executive decision makers in the national security community and gain insight into strategic direction, policies, R&D priorities, allocated budgets, and plans associated with relevant national security programs.

What You Should Know

• Due to the nature, scope and sponsor of the work, the position is limited to only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• For more information about clearance requirements please visit: https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Investigations-Clearance-Process/
• Travel out-of-state will be required.
• Irregular work hours including evenings and weekends may be required.

What We Can Offer

We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with a generous benefits package.

A Research Associate hired for this specific opportunity will be hired with an initial salary in one of the following ranges, depending on education and experience.

• Postdoctoral Associate: $80,000 to $100,000 annually
• Research Associate: $85,000 to $150,000 annually
• Principal Research Associate: $145,000 to $190,000 annually

Relocation expenses may be available for this position following NSI and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a field relevant to the given focus area.
• Research Associate: A minimum of three years of experience in Academia, or the Aerospace and Defense Industry, or Government in a research role.
• Principal Research Associate: A minimum of six years of experience in Academia, or the Aerospace and Defense Industry, or Government in a research role.
• Proven expertise in the development and application of research in research focus area/s specified above.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated record of success and credibility within both the national security and academic communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated high-level critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Ability to work within a complex, dynamic, matrixed structure across colleges and university administration and externally with Government and Industry partners.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary role at, or with, an academic or research institution.
• Proven track record leading research efforts in support of DoD or Aerospace and Defense Industry.
• Program management, Contracting, and/or Business Development experience in the Federal Government or Industry.
• Active and or previous U.S. security clearance with the ability to acquire clearance.
  • For more information about clearance requirements please visit: https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Investigations-Clearance-Process/

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 6/27/2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.