PostDoctoral Associate

Job Summary

The Organic Geochemistry Group at the University of Colorado Boulder (PI Julio Sepúlveda) is encouraging applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to fill a two-year position as part of an NSF-funded award in collaboration with Dr. Chris Lowery at the University of Texas Austin titled “Was There a Shift Toward Small, Non-Fossilizing Plankton after the End of the Cretaceous Mass Extinction?” The postdoctoral researcher will lead organic geochemical analyses for the reconstruction of ecological and environmental changes across the Cretaceous/Paleogene Boundary using new and existing samples. Responsibilities include biomarker extraction, purification, and analysis, data processing and interpretation, preparation of manuscripts for publication, mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, interaction with collaborators, and involvement in field and outreach activities. Applications from candidates with a robust foundation in paleoceanography and geochemistry, or related disciplines, and from diverse backgrounds and traditionally marginalized groups in STEM fields, are particularly encouraged to apply.
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 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.

The Organic Geochemistry Group in the Department of Geological Sciences and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at CU Boulder is a diverse group of researchers from different backgrounds and nationalities that welcomes and embraces diversity. We study the interplay between microorganisms, biogeochemical processes, and climate in contemporary settings and paleo-ecosystems across major climatic/biotic transitions in Earth history. We approach these systems with a focus on the structures, distributions, and stable isotope composition of cell membrane lipids (biomarkers) that can be identified in water bodies, sediments, soils, and their fossilized remains preserved in the rock record. As the flagship university of the state of Colorado, CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners with a proud tradition of academic excellence situated on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. Collectively, CU Boulder researchers produce more papers in the geosciences—and generate more citations to those papers—than those at any other university in the world.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The postdoctoral researcher will lead organic geochemical analyses for the reconstruction of ecological and environmental changes across the Cretaceous/Paleogene Boundary using new and existing samples. Responsibilities include biomarker extraction, purification, and analysis, data processing and interpretation, preparation of manuscripts for publication, mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, interaction with collaborators, and involvement in field and outreach activities. Applications from candidates with a robust foundation in paleoceanography and geochemistry, or related disciplines, and from diverse backgrounds and traditionally marginalized groups in STEM fields, are particularly encouraged to apply.

What You Should Know

The position is based in the Organic Geochemistry Lab (OGL), a state of-the-art analytical facility equipped with instrumentation in gas and liquid chromatography, low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, with an active network of collaborators. Our lab is housed within the Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Community (SEEC) building on CU Boulder’s East campus. SEEC brings together more than a dozen programs and industry partners under one roof, and it is home to some of the best minds in environmental and sustainability research at CU and in federal labs.

What We Can Offer

This is full-time position for 2 years with a starting salary of $55,000.

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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What We Require

• PhD in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geochemistry, or similar fields.
• Previous experience in paleoenvironmental sciences and geochemistry.
• Strong interest in organic geochemistry and paleoceanography.

What You Will Need

• Strong attention to detail in the laboratory.
• The ability to work as part of a team and independently in the lab to achieve goals and solve problems as they arise.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Previous experience in organic geochemistry and biomarker research, including the use of GC-MS and/or HPLC-MS.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students.
• Previous experience in public outreach.
• The ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

**Please note that while this position details both required and desired skills and experience, applicants do not need to have all the desired skills and experience to be considered. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work and some experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We provide on-the-job training for skills and knowledge relevant to the position.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit:

1. A resume or CV, outlining education and relevant work
2. A brief cover letter with answers to the application questions below:

• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you think you would be a good fit for this job?
• Describe any relevant experience you have through your career
• Based on your personal background and life experiences, how will you contribute to INSTAAR’s mission of supporting and enhancing the diversity of scientific communities?

During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for two references and we will request letters 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