CIRES / Postdoctoral Scientist in Microphysics and Radar Meteorology
Requisition Number: 72727
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 15-Jul-2026
Date Posted:
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to conduct research on cloud microphysics and precipitation processes using ground-based radar observations! The candidate will work on a dataset that was collected with the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Mobile Facility for the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) campaign near Gothic, CO, in the Rocky Mountains. By enhancing the understanding of cloud and precipitation processes, this research is expected to advance the fundamental understanding of processes governing snowpack evolution and the transfer of atmospheric water into streamflow. The candidate will primarily work on combining advanced radar data analysis with other observational analyses to study microphysical processes relevant for snow generation.
The candidate will work with the project lead at CIRES and colleagues at the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) at CU Boulder. The group at ATOC consists of mid-career scientists, graduate and undergraduate students, and post-docs. The candidate will be located within the ATOC department and will be part of the post-doc community. This community does foster research exchange as well as career-building opportunities.
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
CIRES (https://cires.colorado.edu/) is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) (https://www.colorado.edu/atoc/) is an interdisciplinary program that provides an educational and research environment to examine the dynamical, physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere, ocean and land surface, and the manner in which they interact. A major theme is the establishment of a physical basis for understanding, observing and modeling climate and global change.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
This position will focus on determining microphysical and thermodynamical processes in orographic precipitation relevant for governing snowpack related to the SAIL and SPLASH experiments. Duties include but are not limited to:
Analyzing remote sensing observations from vertically-pointing and scanning radars to determine spatial and temporal evolution of clouds and precipitation (30%).
Applying state-of-the-art and developing new analysis techniques (20%).
Combining remote-sensing observations with other in-situ observations to further bridge the gap between microphysical processes in clouds and precipitation at the surface (20%).
Dissemination of research results through conference presentations and journal articles (25%).
Conducting and leading regular meetings with the research group and SAIL and SPLASH science groups (5%).
What You Should Know
This is an 8-month term position.
The position will be rostered at the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) facility at the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
Given project deliverables and deadlines, candidates must be able to begin work by December 1, 2026. The appointment is scheduled to end on July 31, 2027.
Visa sponsorship is not offered for this role. Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are not eligible for hire.
What We Can Offer
CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
The annual hiring salary for this position is $65,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career-track classification.
This position can accommodate a hybrid (in-office and at-home) work modality.
An opportunity to conduct research with innovative radar observations to advance the fundamental understanding of processes governing snowpack evolution in the Rocky Mountains and the transfer of atmospheric water into streamflow in support of research on water availability and accessibility during the ongoing drought and water shortage in the Western US.
CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.
Boulder (https://bouldercolorado.gov/) is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, (https://www.rtd-denver.com/) an outstanding network of buses, and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/) , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package (https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) 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 (https://advantage.cu.edu/campus/cu-boulder) program.
Be Statements
Be driven. Be professional. Be Boulder.
What We Require
A PhD in Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, or related Physical Sciences. The defense must have taken place by the start date of the position.
Experience using Linux/Unix systems and developing structured code in Python, MATLAB, and shell scripting.
Extensive experience in dual-Doppler analysis, dual-frequency analysis, signal processing, quality control, algorithm development, and large data set management.
At least 3 years of experience in working with radars used for atmospheric research (e.g. 35 GHz cloud radar).
What You Will Need
Strong knowledge of cloud microphysics and precipitation processes
Expertise with PyTorch and PyTMatrix.
Proven publication records in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to microphysics, precipitation, and radars.
Strong skills with data processing and visualization.
Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks.
Special Instructions
To apply please submit the following materials with your application:
Resume or CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
Although not needed at the time of application, if you are identified as a finalist for the role, the hiring committee will request professional references at a later time.
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 as an optional attachment.
This position will close on July 15, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs (https://www.colorado.edu/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/CIRES-Postdoctoral-Scientist-in-Microphysics-and-Radar-Meteorology/72727 (https://apptrkr.com/7327576)
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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
