Job Details

Senior Research Scientist

Position Number: 7306244
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Other Science

Senior Research Scientist

Requisition Number: 73233
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 09-Jul-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

This position is for a Senior Research Scientist (Research Associate). The Senior Research Scientist would be expected to develop an independent research program in-line with INSTAAR's research themes and goals.
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

Build an independent research program by securing research grants focused on:

Applied knowledge of oceanic, atmospheric, Hydrologic methods, ecosystem-climate interactions processes, observations, technologies, and modeling to enable understanding of variability in the Earth system.
Developing models forEarth system interactions
Other research topics in-line with INSTAAR's research themes and goals.
Manage research as outlined in research grants following all institute and university guidelines and requirements.
Prepare manuscripts, datasets, and presentations for high-impact journals and conferences.
Contribute to an inclusive and ethical community of scholars in INSTAAR.

What We Can Offer

$8,000/year - $9,000/year at 3.61% FTE.

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

PhD in Earth science or similar field.
At least two years of experience of postdoctoral research (or equivalent) post-PhD in a field relevant to Earth science.
Evidence of independent research post-PhD including successful proposal writing and publishing in peer reviewed journals.

What You Will Need

Ability to think creatively about interdisciplinary aspects of Earth system science.
Ability to apply for research grants independently and manage those grants post-award.
Ability to communicate effectively with institute staff.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.
Cover Letter.

(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.

Please apply by 7/9/2026 for consideration.

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/Senior-Research-Scientist/73233