Research Associate: Computational Solid Mechanics

Job Summary

The Center for National Security Initiatives at CU Boulder is encouraging applications for a research position in Computational Solid Mechanics 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.

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 multidisciplinary 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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• 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 software/hardware 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.

• 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, see https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
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