Advanced Study Program (ASP) Postdoctoral Fellow I

UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan (UCAR contributes 10%)

PTO 20 days

10 paid holidays

Parental leave 12 weeks

Tuition Assistance Program

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher. The role conducts original research across atmospheric, solar, and Earth system science areas, with collaboration among fellow postdocs and staff.

The incumbent documents findings in publications and presents at professional meetings. The position is hybrid (minimum 3 days on-site per week), full-time for 1 year with potential extension, and includes visa sponsorship and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree in a field related to NSF NCAR research.
• Broad knowledge in Earth system sciences.
• Ability to design ethical research protocols and publish results.
• Ability to develop scientific methods to achieve research goals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with a publication record.
• Ability to work independently and in a diverse team.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and follow through on tasks.

Responsibilities

• Conducts independent or collaborative research leading to publication-worthy results.
• Learn from and collaborate with NSF NCAR scientists and postdocs for professional growth.
• Participate in seminars, reviews, and discussions; assist in grant proposals and manuscript reviews.

Skills

Earth system science knowledge

Scientific communication

Independent work

Collaborative teamwork

Project organization

Education

Ph.D./Sc.D.

Job description

Position Type:

Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Hiring Range:

82,650.00 USD - 82,650.00 USD

• Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

• Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes:

2026-10-25

About The Role

Conducts original research, following a plan developed by the incumbent and their team leads, in areas broadly related to atmospheric, solar, and Earth system science, science education, engineering, software engineering and other research-related areas at NSF NCAR and documents that research in publications and presentations at professional meetings. Seeks to broaden their understanding of scientific research at NSF NCAR by collaborating with scientists and other postdoctoral researchers at NSF NCAR. Contributes to the postdoctoral community through service and outreach.

Job Description

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type: Hybrid (a minimum of 3 days a week is required to be on-site)

Position Type & Term: Full-time, 1-year Term with the possibility of a 1-year extension

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

What You Will Do

• Conducts independent or collaborative research leading to results worthy of publication in scientific journals. Documents the results of the research, preferably in journal publications, and publicizes those results in seminars and conference presentations.
• Learns about aspects of NSF NCAR science outside the past experience of the Fellow by interacting and collaborating with other postdoctoral fellows and with the NSF NCAR scientific staff. Participates in and contributes to activities that advance the professional growth of the Fellows. These activities may include professional development workshops, contributing to NSF NCAR/UCAR educational programs, serving on committees, attending workshops, or mentoring.
• Participates in seminars, research reviews, and other organized scientific discussions by ASP and NSF NCAR. May participate in writing of grant proposals, and the review of scientific papers and proposals.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education and Experience (Required)

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. or Sc. D. degree granted in an area related to research being conducted at NSF NCAR or must be able to complete such a degree and finish all thesis revisions and defense by December 31, 2027

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (Required)

• Demonstrate a broad base of established and growing knowledge that can contribute to Earth system sciences.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the specific research area.
• Ability to design sound, ethical research protocols, safely perform the techniques necessary to conduct and analyze this research, and navigate the scientific publishing processes.
• Ability to develop and implement scientific methods related to achieving research goals using past experience and general scientific research skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by a record of presenting scientific results and writing papers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
• Proven ability to prioritize, organize, and follow through on tasks.

Annual Salary: $82,650

Application Requirements

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Benefits Overview

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• FAMLI Leave
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.