PostDoctoral Associate

Job Summary

The Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado-Boulder is encouraging applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research within a new “critical zone” research project. The Earth’s critical zone is defined as the upper layer of the Earth’s surface—from bedrock to the tree canopy—and is dependent upon the co-evolution of Earth system processes including interactions among climate, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and geology. Our critical zone project consists of five research catchments in Colorado and California and is led by a collaborative team of nine researchers from six universities.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will synthesize data from across the research sites and develop new research areas addressing fundamental questions about the feedbacks among critical zone processes. Research areas include but are not limited to how subsurface water storage controls streamflow quantity and quality, evapotranspiration, as well as aboveground carbon and how forest ecosystems, in turn, control subsurface flowpaths and weathering. The project provides ample opportunities for both numerical modelers and field scientists.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

As the University’s oldest institute, lNSTAAR (Institute of Arctic & Alpine Research) has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues. Our traditional focus has been on polar and alpine 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. Research topics vary widely and include Quaternary and modern environments, human and ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, landscape evolution, hydrology, oceanography, and climate.

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 fields 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

• Conduct collaborative and independent research related to critical zone topics such as ecohydrology, biogeochemistry, or hydrogeology.
• Write peer-reviewed research papers.
• Participate in project education and outreach activities.

What You Should Know

• Work in residence at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado.
• Ability and willingness to travel to field sites in Colorado and California for up to two weeks at a time. Local travel may occasionally require personal vehicle use.
• Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position.
• The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr. Holly Barnard (CU Boulder) and will work with the project team of collaborators.
• The initial assignment will be for one year with the possibility of extension up to two years total.
• The preferred start date is January 1, 2021, but can be sooner.

What We Can Offer

The salary will be $55,000 annually.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

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Be Impactful. Be Proactive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. degree in the natural or environmental sciences, engineering, or related fields.
• Completion of the Ph.D. can be pending (soon to be completed) but will require verification from the dissertation supervisor.
• Proven experience with developing novel research questions and publishing original, peer-reviewed research in journals appropriate for the field.

What You Will Need

• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, including listening and responding to questions effectively.
• Ability to respond constructively to others’ ideas and suggestions and a willingness to develop creative solutions to challenges that arise.
• Knowledge and experience with Earth science field data collection or modeling methods.
• Knowledge and skill in data analysis using modern software such as R, Matlab, Python.
• Proficiency with basic computer software including the Microsoft Office suite, as well as, online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams or Google Drive.
• Must have the ability to pay close attention to details and keep clear and accurate records.
• Willingness to learn new methods or skills related to project goals.
• Must be able to work optimally with minimal daily supervision.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Interest and skills in mentoring students.
• Demonstrated leadership in research, outreach, and/or education.
• Interest and ability to engage with others across the National Critical Zone Network.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Proof of Degree/Transcripts

During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for one reference and we will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials if needed, as the search progresses.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu