Research Scientists I / II - Advanced Laser Diagnostics - Open Pool

The Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics (Yalin group) at Colorado State University is, on an ongoing basis, seeking highly skilled, motivated, and independent Research Scientist I or II to contribute laser diagnostic expertise to our groups research efforts.

We are looking for candidates who can support one or more projects in broad areas of advanced propulsion and/or hydrogen emissions monitoring.


Research on the advanced propulsion side is oriented at developing and applying new laser diagnostics to electric propulsion (EP) systems with emphasis on detailed, spatially- and temporally- resolved, species-specific measurements.

A new effort, to be funded by the USSF, seeks to examine operation of EP devices on molecular propellants.

A key step will be to develop novel Doppler-based LIF diagnostics for measuring ion velocities (IVDFs) of relevant ionic species in these systems.

For the molecular propellants it will also be important to measure rotationally- and vibrationally- resolved species populations.


Our effort on measuring atmospheric hydrogen emissions are in support of the burgeoning hydrogen economy and will be supported by ARPA-E H2Sense program.

The approach, for sensitive and quantitative measurements, is to use the Photoacoustic Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (PARS) method.

Research tasks will include design, development and optimization of the full PARS system including a Raman cell pumping scheme, a photoacoustic cavity, and an optical multi-pass cell (around the PA cavity) to increase signal levels.

The PARS sensor will be developed and tested for real-world outdoor usage, in partnership with NOAA and NREL, with an eye to developing a commercial product.


We seek research scientists who can contribute to one or both of the above projects.

Research scientists will also be expected to produce high-quality research and present their work at conferences and via peer-reviewed publications.

Positions may become available throughout the year.

Ranking and qualification within the levels are done on a case-by-case basis with factors that include the complexity of research and specialized skills.

Annual terms and reappointment may depend on performance and/or continued availability of funding.

Required Job Qualifications Research Scientist I is for individuals with a PhD and less than 3 years of relevant professional experience.

Research Scientist II is for individuals with a PhD and 3-7 years of relevant professional in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a related field.

Minimum of 7 years of total experience (can include graduate school) in hands-on laser spectroscopy and/or laser diagnostics.

Ability to design, conduct, analyze and publish experimental research as evidenced by candidates publication record.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Demonstrated experience with trace-gas or species-specific detection via laser spectroscopy using LIF, TLDAS, WMS, cavity ring-down spectroscopy or photoacoustic spectroscopy, with application to plasma or combustion diagnostics or to atmospheric sensing.

Demonstrated experience in the operation of plasmas and plasma sources cathodes, ion thrusters, Hall effect thrusters) within vacuum chamber setups and knowledge of associated vacuum hardware (pumps, flow systems, pressure gauges etc.).

Demonstrated experience with pulsed laser diagnostic techniques for gas-phase (or plasma) measurements including Raman scattering, stimulated Raman scattering, CARS, PARS, Rayleigh scattering, Thomson scattering etc.

Essential Duties Application Details