Job Details

PostDoctoral Associate

Position Number: 6874670
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Physics

PostDoctoral Associate

Requisition Number: 69613
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date:
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to conduct research in the area of remote sensing, aerosol-cloud interactions, and Arctic climate. The successful candidate will work on developing retrievals of cloud phase during polar night, utilizing advanced new passive and active satellite remote sensing products (e.g., ESA/JAXA EarthCARE). Tasks will include running radiative transfer simulations and collocating data across various satellites and/or field campaigns. 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

Ivy Tan Lab: My research focuses on better understanding the role of clouds in Earth's present and future climate. Clouds remain the largest source of uncertainty in climate projections. Reducing this uncertainty requires an improved understanding of the small-scale physical processes involved in the life cycle of clouds and improved representations of these processes in climate models. I develop techniques and apply remote sensing observations and models as tools to answer fundamental questions related to the physics of clouds in connection with Earth's climate.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Ivy Tan, with co-mentoring from Dr. Sebastian Schmidt at the CU Boulder and Dr. Colten Petersen at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, to conduct original research, write manuscripts for publication, participate in professional meetings, and collaborate with faculty and graduate students at CU Boulder, UMBC, and team members at Florida State University (Dr. Michael Diamond and his group).
Research in the group involves investigating the climate effects of aerosols and clouds from the microphysical to planetary scales, utilizing everything from aircraft data and satellite retrievals to large eddy simulation and Earth system model simulations. Trainees are mentored to gain professional skills such as research design and communication, grantsmanship, laboratory management and leadership training, networking, and navigating the faculty job market.

What You Should Know

The position is limited to one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding.

What We Can Offer

The salary for this position is $65,000 per year.

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 pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A PhD in physics, atmospheric physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field (by the time of appointment).
Demonstrated ability of computer programming in Fortran 90/95, C, and Python.

What You Will Need

The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of high-quality scientific output (including peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations at major meetings); and strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume/CV
Cover Letter
List of References:

Please include three that can be contacted for phone calls or to request a letter on your behalf.

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. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. This reference can be one of the three you included in your reference list. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
For full consideration, please apply by February 15th, 2026. The posting will remain open until filled.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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/PostDoctoral-Associate/69613