RA Position Description 2014

Position Description for Research Associate I, II, or III

CSU-CHILL Radar Facility, Greeley CO

Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University

Position Description

The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks a full-time Research Associate Class I, II or III (see Class Designations below) to perform technical tasks in support of the CSU-CHILL Radar Facility in Greeley, CO. This Facility is owned by the National Science Foundation and operated and maintained by Colorado State University under a cooperative agreement with NSF. The individual in this position will work under the direction of the Radar Engineers and Facility Manager and must be self-motivated, able to work both independently and within a team of engineers and scientists, and have good communication skills. The work environment will include outdoor facilities and equipment shelters, and will require lifting, bending, climbing ladders and working at heights of approximately 25 feet above the ground.

Responsibilities

• Reading technical manuals, drawings and schematics to determine methods and sequences of assembling mechanical and electronic systems.
• Fabricate and test electronic circuits and assemblies down to the board level.
• Operating metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures.
• Construct and inspect cable assemblies and harnesses.
• Supervised design of industrial automation systems using PLCs.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on radar and support equipment (antennas, generators, computer systems).
• Support radar operations and data collection. This includes radar startup and shutdown, and operations under supervision. This might occasionally require working outside of normal business hours.

This list is not exhaustive; the candidate may be responsible for additional tasks.

Minimum Requirements for this position include

• Six years of experience in troubleshooting and repair work on electronics, where an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university can be substituted for two years and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university for four years of work related experience.
• Knowledge of digital and analog circuitry.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical schematics, drawings and specifications.
• Experience with basic machine shop and metalworking equipment.
• Knowledge of basic test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, function generators, etc.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.

Desired Qualifications for this position

• Experience with RF and microwave instruments and measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience maintaining radars.
• Bachelor’s of Science degree.

Class Designations

The successful candidate may be hired as a Research Associate Class I, II or III depending upon education and experience. The following requirements for each class must be met in order to be hired at that class.

• Research Associate I
  • Meets the minimum requirements for the position.
• Research Associate II
  • Meets the minimum and desired qualifications for the position.
  • Bachelor’s degree required and at least 3 years of work-related experience, or a Master’s degree.
• Research Associate III
  • Meets the minimum and desired qualifications for the position.
  • Bachelor’s degree required and at least 5 years of work-related experience, a Master’s degree and at least 2 years of work-related experience or a PhD.

Review process

Review of Applications will begin on August 5, 2014 and may continue until the position is filled. Start date will commence immediately after search process has finished. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience. Application materials should include a cover letter, resume, and names of three references and their contact information combined into a single PDF file. References will not be contacted without prior notification.

Contact information

Applications or any questions about the position can be submitted to:

Cliff Schulenberg, Search Chair
Department of Atmospheric Science
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1371
CHILLsearch@atmos.colostate.edu

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulation, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.