Post Baccalaureate Researcher at Western

Position Summary:

Job Description:

Post Baccalaureate Researcher

Position: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Post Baccalaureate Researcher.  This is a grant funded position, with an expected end date of December 31. 2026. The position reports to Laurel Fisher, Co-Director of the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program (EPP), works closely with the EPP and its partners, and is responsible for the following.

Research and Development for Projects (80%)

• Conduct research and development activities for assigned projects in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) and the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program.
• Design, develop, and implement advanced sensor systems, algorithms, and measurement tools tailored to environmental research needs, including but not limited to surface energy balance analysis, snowpack measurement, snow cover assessment, and plant leaf area estimation.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to ensure accurate and reliable results that contribute to the overall success of the projects.
• Collaborate with undergraduate engineering classes and other team members to integrate project findings into broader research initiatives and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Document research methodologies, findings, and recommendations in detailed reports, ensuring that all project outcomes are thoroughly recorded and communicated.
• Stay updated on the latest technological advancements and research trends relevant to the projects, incorporating innovative solutions and best practices into the work.

Communication with Project Support Faculty (20%)

• Maintain regular communication with project support faculty, including Principal Investigator, to discuss project progress, challenges, and next steps.
• Attend weekly meetings with faculty mentors to present updates, receive feedback, and align on project objectives and timelines.
• Prepare and deliver monthly presentations to stakeholders, including TAPP, ICELab, and other collaborators, to showcase progress and key milestones.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop project agendas, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring that all team members are informed and working towards common goals.
• Coordinate with faculty and other project contributors to address any issues or changes in project scope, ensuring that all developments are communicated clearly and promptly.

These duties are designed to ensure that the post-baccalaureate participants are effectively contributing to the success of their projects while also developing their professional skills and fostering strong working relationships with their mentors and collaborators.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS degree in Engineering or Computer Science
• experience with programming
• experience working with others

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to mentor and support students effectively
• Competence in using common office software and collaboration tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• BSME or BSCS from the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program
• Good communication skills
• Project lead, project-based learning experience
• Mentoring students

Compensation: $44,990.40 – $46,000.00 USD Annual salary. This position is FLSA exempt and not eligible for overtime. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Application Procedure:  Apply online at www.Western.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include a letter of application addressed to the Engineering Partnership Program, resume, and contact information for three references.

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.

Please direct questions to the search committee chair at [email protected] .

Application deadline is Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 11:59PM.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

 
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS