Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Department: Department of Physics
Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA
Position Type: Full-time, Research
Salary: USD 65,000 per year
Appointment Duration: Initial one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding
Application Status: Open until filled

Position Overview

The Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct advanced research in cloud remote sensing, aerosol–cloud interactions, and Arctic climate processes. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work at the interface of satellite observations, radiative transfer, and climate science, contributing to high-impact research on polar cloud systems.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team working with state-of-the-art satellite missions and observational datasets to improve understanding of cloud phase, radiation, and climate feedbacks in high-latitude environments.

Key Research Focus

The postdoctoral researcher will:

• Develop and evaluate retrieval algorithms for cloud phase, particularly under polar night conditions
• Analyze passive and active satellite observations, including data from EarthCARE and related missions
• Perform radiative transfer simulations and multi-platform data collocation
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations
• Collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions in the U.S. and internationally

Supervision and Collaboration

The position is supervised by Dr. Ivy Tan (University of Colorado Boulder), with close collaboration and co-mentorship from researchers at CU Boulder, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Florida State University.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Atmospheric Science, Physics, Earth System Science, or a closely related field (completed by start date)
• Strong background in satellite remote sensing and quantitative data analysis
• Experience with radiative transfer, cloud physics, or atmospheric modeling
• Demonstrated ability to publish scientific research in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Arctic or polar climate data
• Familiarity with cloud microphysics or aerosol–cloud interactions
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, IDL, or similar)

Benefits

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and access to extensive professional development resources. Boulder provides a vibrant academic environment with exceptional quality of life.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official University of Colorado Boulder job portal using the link below:

Apply here!

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