"Visiting Assistant Professor: Fuel Technology and Alternative Fuels"

Department Information

The Southern Colorado Institute of Transportation Technology (SCITT) is a state-sponsored institute located at Colorado State University Pueblo. The mission and vision of the Institute is to become a versatile and responsive leader in education, training, and research that supports transformative transportation solutions. The Institute's current interests include ground and intermodal transportation systems' innovation, safety, and security.

The Institute partners with the Federal Railroad Administration's Transportation Technology Center just outside of Pueblo, Colorado, and is also a member of the prestigious center for Surface Transportation Testing and Academic Research (C-STTAR) a consortium of eight universities and academic research centers. In addition, the Institute works closely with its local and state partners, ENSCO, Inc., MxV Rail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation. SCITT is currently leading and managing over $14 million in research and workforce development projects, primarily funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Through initiatives like the Southern Colorado Transportation Conference (SCTC), tailored workforce development programs, and curriculum innovations, SCITT offers comprehensive training, seminars, and events. These programs bring together transportation professionals, students (both traditional and non-traditional), and researchers to explore emerging industry challenges, build technical expertise, and strengthen leadership abilities—ensuring a well-prepared workforce for the evolving transportation sector. SCITT’s initiatives emphasize hands-on learning and interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing regional and national transportation challenges.

SCITT at CSU Pueblo reflects the Institute’s commitment to serving a diverse student body and fostering interdisciplinary learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. By providing hands-on learning and workforce development opportunities, SCITT aims to empower students and professionals to contribute to the evolving field of sustainable transportation, bridging gaps in access, affordability, and inclusion across the industry. Through its robust partnerships and extensive research efforts, SCITT is establishing itself as a leader in sustainable transportation innovation and safety across Colorado and beyond. CSU Pueblo is dedicated to interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship that elevates our people and our community, creates educational opportunities, fosters unique collaborations, and supports inclusion, access, and affordability as a gateway to the world.

Description of Job

The primary duties included in this position may be modified to suit the skills of the applicant and the changing priorities of the Institute. Currently, the position's responsibilities include developing a university curriculum on alternative fuels, creating training materials, delivering instruction, organizing seminars and symposiums, and facilitating hands-on activities for students.

The employee will serve as the primary technical representative from SCITT, which recently received an $11.7M grant from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). This grant supports safety assessments, testing, and workforce development for hydrogen and natural gas-powered rail vehicles, to promote safe, environmentally friendly alternative fuel solutions within the U.S. rail industry. This initiative builds on a previous $8.9M DOT grant to Colorado State University to construct three public hydrogen fueling stations in Fort Collins, Denver, and Pueblo.

The employee will be involved in technical, administrative, and outreach activities for both projects and will play a key role in coordinating and compiling project reports and leading workforce development workshops and trainings in different formats. Additionally, they will support the SCITT Director in liaising with USDOT officials, industry partners, and academic collaborators to ensure compliance with project milestones and regulatory standards. This work will involve regular reporting, preparing presentations, and contributing to publications that disseminate project findings to a broader audience.

Beyond the technical aspects, the employee will oversee public outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness about hydrogen and alternative fuel technologies. This work includes planning and participating in community events, representing SCITT at conferences, and fostering partnerships with local industries and educational institutions.

This position offers a candidate a unique opportunity to take a high-level role in the early development of a transportation institute and valuable experience, especially for those interested in advancing faculty careers to higher level in the university.

This position is funded through May 15, 2030, by two US DOT grants. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed upon satisfactory performance and budgetary approval from the funding agency.

Primary Duties

• Developing and teaching academic coursework and training opportunities in the alternative fuel-related sciences and engineering field for undergraduate and graduate students as guided by the institute director.
• Research activities including research development, and administrative duties as guided by the Institute director.
• Arranging seminars and symposiums and providing hands-on activities for students. Assist in all SCITT-related administrative tasks, outreach activities, and grant-related responsibilities.

Salary

$68,300-$70,000 per academic year

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree at position start
• Expertise in alternate fuels including Hydrogen and renewable gas energy
• A record of scholarly publications

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering background in Bachelor and/or Doctoral level
• Experience in teaching or preparing lectures and mentoring students in university level
• Experience in a position requiring excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Experience working in a team environment as well as in an independent capacity

Supplemental Information

*** Visa sponsorship not available for this position ***

Applicants must attach the following documents, in order to be considered for this position:

• a letter of intent (cover letter)
• a current resume or CV
• unofficial or official transcripts starting with the Bachelor's degree showing degrees conferred
• contact information for three professional references; personal references will not count towards this requirement

Applications submitted without the required attachments/information listed above will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes or add information to their application packet, with the exception of their personal contact and demographic information.

Early submission of application materials is encouraged. This application page will accept applications until the position is filled; review of applications will begin October 31st, 2025.