Job Details

Research Scientist I

Position Number: 6697496
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Geology, Earth Sciences & Oceanography

Research Scientist I

Requisition Number: 68352
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 06-Nov-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

INSTARR welcomes applications for a Research Scientist I!
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. INSTAAR's research activities integrate field studies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis, and numerical and laboratory modeling. Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world's oceans.

Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The Research Scientist I, along with the PI, will design, implement and analyze data sets regarding snow water equivalent and snow surface properties, and modeling of hydrological fluxes. A successful candidate will also perform validation work on these datasets.

What You Should Know

Start date is 1/1/2026; End date is 12/31/2026; Potential renewal for second year if funding is available. Position is contingent on continued funding in the Federal and/or state grants and contracts funding the position.
The position is located within the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) on CU Boulder's East Campus in Boulder, CO.

What We Can Offer

An annual salary of $68,000-$70,000. Moving expenses may also be offered for this position following institute policy.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your 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 ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A Ph.D. degree in Earth science, engineering, geography, environmental science, hydrology, geophysics, or related fields.
Experience working with snow data sets and hydrological models.
Experience leading hydrological analysis and peer-review publications in hydrological sciences and Earth sciences journals.

What You Will Need

Ability to lead independent research, to work with a variety of people across disciplines and institutions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including willingness to learn new methods or skills to support project goals.
Proficiency with basic computer software including Microsoft Office suite, programming languages such as Python and / or R.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.
Cover Letter.
A PDF Sample of Work.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

The position will remain open until 11/6/25.

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, 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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Research-Scientist-I/68352