Research Associates for Center for National Security Initiatives

Job Summary

Job Summary

The Center for National Security Initiatives at CU Boulder is encouraging applications for Postdoctoral Associates, Research Associates and Senior Research Associates in multiple domains, who will support the growth of the campus’s National Security research enterprise. These positions 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. New positions are available in the following focus areas:

Autonomous Systems: Requires expertise relevant to the areas of assured algorithms, control theory, computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The candidate will address challenges including swarming, networked autonomy, human-machine teaming, and perception and localization.

Cybersecurity: Requires applied research expertise associated with the design, attack, and defense of cyber systems, such as networks, information systems, AI/ML and information/data analytics, computer architecture, human-machine teaming and automation, applied cryptology, computer aided design (CAD) of digital and analog devices/circuits, and semiconductor materials, fabrication, and devices. The candidate will develop solutions focused on ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information stored on and transmitted across U.S. space assets, critical infrastructure, and global communications systems.

Geospatial Data Analytics: Requires expertise in applying analytics to terrestrial and space data sets, including fusing disparate and large data sets to produce actionable information. The candidate will develop algorithms and applications by applying AI/ML, computer vision and state-of-the-art techniques to create models that support decision making tools in the national security arena.

Human-Computer Interaction / Human Factors: Requires experience in areas including human-machine teaming, human-machine interfaces, virtual augmentation of human performance, human performance, training, and/or education. Familiarity with AI-enabled systems, particularly in support of enhanced decision-making, is highly desirable.

Hypersonic Systems: Requires expertise in the development and Application of computational tools for analysis of various aspects of hypersonic vehicle performance and phenomena including aerothermodynamics, material, structures, propulsion, observables, and mission design.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Requires understanding of the application of space-based ISR to find, fix, and track both friendly and hostile forces, as well as to complete battle damage assessment (BDA). The candidate will address key challenges in automation, sensor fusion, latency, and data analytics.

Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT): Requires expertise in the science and instrumentation of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), algorithms for assured PNT, and the development of technologies for GPS limited/denied environments. The candidate will develop high precision, low SWaP-C solutions for resilient operations in relevant DoD environments.

Quantum Technologies: Requires expertise in the development of quantum-based capabilities for sensing, computing, and/or communications, for national security applications in all domains (land, sea, air, space, cyber). The candidate will build effective collaborations with established quantum scientists and engineers at CU Boulder to accelerate the transition of quantum products.

Radiofrequency (RF) Engineering: Requires expertise in RF communications, spectrum operations, and/or electronic warfare (EW) to address DoD challenges in SWaP-C, bandwidth, loss/efficiency, integration, and/or stealth. The candidate will develop solutions associated with power amplification, filter design, integrated circuit design, apertures, wireless propagation modeling, and/or AI/ML applied to RF design and signal detection.

Space Domain Awareness: Requires specialization in areas including astrodynamics, sensor tasking, state estimation, guidance/navigation/control (GNC), and space weather. The candidate will address key challenges in information fusion, perception, and activity interference with emphasis on space operations and anomaly identification and characterization.

Space Systems: Experience with space systems design, analysis, and operations is desired. Requires specialization in areas such as space systems engineering, ground systems, AI/ML, automation, and ISAM. Successful applicants will work with a PI, students, and other researchers to develop solutions that support dynamic space operations, space battle management command and control, and proliferated LEO and/or VLEO operations.

All research associates must have a customer-centric, results-focused mentality with the ability to operate in a sophisticated and dynamic environment to attain the strategic goals of the rapidly growing CU Boulder national security portfolio.

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.

Who We Are

Who We Are

The Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at the University of Colorado Boulder provides high-impact national security research and workforce development enabled by world-class research scientists and essential infrastructure. The Center addresses the ever-increasing demand for qualified and experienced defense professionals in Colorado and across the nation by creating a prime opportunity for on-demand research collaboration in the national security research enterprise.

At NSI, our researchers both extend and deepen the national security research done across the University. We create a wide range of opportunities for training students at all levels of studies and create a pathway to postgraduate jobs and service.

NSI is committed to excellence through diversity by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, enhancing the success and inclusion of all students, staff and faculty, and deepening our ability to share and engage with diverse perspectives.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

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

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

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:

• Postdoctoral Associate: $70,000 to $90,000 annually
• Research Associate: $85,000 to $150,000 annually
• Principal Research Associate: $145,000 to $190,000 annually
• Senior Principal Research Associate: $185,000 to $210,000 annually

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

Benefits

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 Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

What We Require

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer 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.
• Senior 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

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

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

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume
2. A cover letter that specifically addresses how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position

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. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

You will not be asked to upload references at this time.

Please apply by May 20, 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.

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