Advanced Study Program (ASP) Postdoctoral Fellow I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

UCAR in Boulder, CO, invites applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on atmospheric, solar, and Earth system science while collaborating with scientists and engineers across NSF NCAR/UCAR. The role emphasizes publication with meetings and seminars.

The full-time, fixed-term position spans 1 year with possible extension, requires a Ph.D. or near-completion by 2027, and offers hybrid work requiring on-site presence about 3 days per week, plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Sc.D. must be completed or near completion by 2027.
• Broad knowledge of Earth system sciences and related areas.
• Strong written and oral communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent or collaborative research leading to publishable results.
• Collaborate with postdocs and scientific staff to advance NSF NCAR/UCAR research.
• Assist in seminars, reviews, and proposal processes.

Skills

Broad Earth system science knowledge

Independent & collaborative work

Oral and written communication

Prioritization & organization

Education

Ph.D. or Sc.D. in related field

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.

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on:

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Annual Salary: 82,650

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
• Time Off Plans
  • 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.