Assistant Professor Energy-Efficient Computing or Materials Circularity

Job Summary

The Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) at the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This role focuses on interdisciplinary research in energy-efficient computing, sustainable digital infrastructure, or materials circularity.

Areas Of Interest

RASEI is particularly interested in candidates whose research addresses challenges broadly across ways to improve energy efficiency, with a particular interest in one or more of the following focus areas:

Energy-Efficient Computing And Digital Infrastructure

Including but not limited to:

• Low-energy database operations, data center design, and thermal management
• Novel computing architectures, including optical, superconducting, and neuromorphic systems
• Improving energy efficiency of training and using AI/ML, including model training optimization and algorithmic compression
• Materials and device innovations for low-power switching, displays, and memory
• Hardware-software co-design for minimizing the environmental impact of computing
• Carbon-aware software development: Design of software systems that are carbon-intelligent in terms of runtime, compute location, and job scheduling
• Edge AI and decentralized systems: Sustainable design for edge devices and federated learning, reducing dependence on centralized data centers
• Energy-aware AI for energy systems: Applying AI/ML to optimize energy grids, buildings, or industrial systems with a focus on efficiency and decarbonization

Materials Circularity And Critical Mineral Recovery And Use Strategies

Including but not limited to:

• Circular electronics and sustainable design for computing hardware
• Recovery and recycling of rare earth elements and critical minerals
• Separation science, membrane-based extraction, or electrochemical purification technologies
• Substitution strategies and life-cycle assessment for application and a significant dependence on critical elements and minerals (e.g., for electronics, computing, and aerospace applications)

Candidates working at the intersection of differing aspects of these themes are especially encouraged to apply. CU Boulder is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Boulder is an R1 public research university and a member of the AAU. RASEI fosters cutting-edge energy research across CU Boulder and NREL, drawing on regional and national strengths in renewable energy, circular economy, computing, policy and analysis, advanced materials, and environmental systems. We are committed to building an inclusive vibrant intellectual community.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Engage in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.
• Develop an externally funded research program in their technical area.
• Contribute professional leadership and service to RASEI, their tenure unit, and their professional community.
• Cultivate and contribute to the inclusive excellence of our academic community.

The typical distribution of work for this role is 40% teaching, 40% scholarly and creative work (research), and 20% service.

What You Should Know

The selected candidate will have a tenure appointment in a partnering academic department at CU Boulder and a faculty appointment in RASEI. As part of CU Boulder’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, a reference check pilot program is in place for final candidates for tenured faculty appointments to review conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination. All final candidates are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this full-time position is $105,000 - $145,000. A signing bonus is available within department guidelines.

Benefits

CU Boulder offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for employees and 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 curious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines).
• ABD candidates will be considered but must have the PhD degree conferred by August 1, 2027.
• A strong record of scholarly research and potential (or demonstrated ability) for securing external funding.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive excellence, and impactful teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications and specific interest in this position.
• Statement of Research Philosophy describing your research goals, interests, and vision. (3 pages maximum)
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring Philosophy. (1-2 pages)
• Names and contact information for three to five references.

Please apply by April 29th, 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, you may redact or remove age-identifying information from your submitted materials.

Key skills/competency

• Energy-Efficient Computing
• Materials Circularity
• Sustainable Digital Infrastructure
• Renewable Energy Research
• Interdisciplinary Research
• AI/ML Optimization
• Carbon-Aware Software
• Circular Electronics
• Critical Minerals Recovery
• Life-Cycle Assessment