CIRES / NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory, Postdoctoral Associate in Tropical Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder’s CIRES and NOAA's PSL seek a Postdoctoral Associate to advance understanding of tropical ocean-atmosphere coupling. You will process and analyze environmental data from TEPEX campaigns, run high-resolution coupled simulations, and apply statistical and machine-learning methods to improve ocean-atmosphere modeling.

You will collaborate with NOAA PSL divisions to address science themes in Marine Resource Management and Predicting Extremes, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences or related field required.
• At least 1 year of research experience in ocean-atmosphere coupling.
• Experience with convection-permitting simulations.
• Experience with high-performance computing.
• Experience integrating field campaign data into modeling studies.

Responsibilities

• Leads original research to improve understanding and model representation of tropical ocean-atmosphere coupling and convective variability.
• Contributes to collaborative work through software development and HPC-based experiments for data analysis and visualization.
• Publishes results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Organizes and participates in community-focused activities in Earth Systems Sciences.
• Presents results at scientific meetings and invites external visits.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Skills

Ocean-atmosphere coupling

High-performance computing

Statistical data analysis

Software development for data

First-author publications

Education

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences or related field

Tools

Convection-permitting simulations

Job description

Requisition Number

75564

Location

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type

Research Faculty

Schedule

Full-Time

Posting Close Date

10-Nov-2026

Date Posted

27-Oct-2026

Job Summary

The University of Colorado's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and NOAA's Physical Sciences Lab (PSL) in scenic Boulder, Colorado, seeks a curious and capable Postdoctoral Associate to help advance understanding and model representation of tropical ocean-atmosphere coupling. The spatial organization and variability of the upper tropical ocean is intimately linked to transports of moisture and energy between the ocean, marine atmospheric boundary layer, and overlying free troposphere. Variability arising from ocean-atmosphere coupling has downstream impacts on marine resources and ecosystems critical to commerce, human health, and coastal tourism. Furthermore, understanding and modeling ocean-atmosphere coupling across scales is critical to water monitoring and prediction efforts to address a variety of societal needs, including agriculture, water supply, energy, water security, and public safety.

The researcher will work with NOAA and CIRES scientists at PSL to process, analyze, and report on a variety of environmental data collected during the TEPEX field campaign (e.g. physical upper ocean and atmospheric measurements: https://cpo.noaa.gov/tropical-pacific-observing-system-tpos-equatorial-pacific-experiment-tepex/). This will also involve performing ocean-atmosphere coupled convection permitting simulations and applying statistical and machine learning methods to examine and advance ocean-atmosphere coupled understanding and modeling. The postdoctoral associate will work in coordination with various NOAA PSL Research Divisions to provide the scientific guidance and support needed to address the NOAA PSL Science Research Themes of Marine Resource Management, Water Resource Management, and Predicting Extremes.

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 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 NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) conducts research to advance the prediction of water availability and extremes. PSL's Atmosphere-Ocean Processes and Predictability (AOPP) Division investigates the role of ocean processes, air‑sea interaction, and tropical‑extratropical exchanges on climate variability and predictability. The AOPP Division uses a combination of data analysis and modeling to better understand and characterize physical mechanisms driving Earth's weather and climate, on time scales ranging from days to decades both to advance understanding and improve forecasts.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• (30%) Leads original research efforts aimed at improving understanding and model representation of tropical ocean-atmosphere coupling and convective variability. These efforts will include performing high resolution ocean-atmosphere coupled simulations, as well as working with observational data from field campaigns.
• (20%) Contributes to collaborative work led by other researchers through regular discussion and supportive activities such as software development, conduct experiments using high-performance computing, and pre- and post-processing of data as needed for analysis and visualization.
• (20%) Publishes results in peer-reviewed journals.
• (15%) Organizes and participates in activities that provide a service to the broader Earth Systems Sciences community.
• (10%) Presents results at scientific meetings, workshops, and on invited visits.
• (5%) Performs other duties as necessary.

What You Should Know

• The initial appointment is through 8/31/2027, with the possibility of extension up to a 24-month appointment.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, on a federal research campus.
• Selected finalists will be required to pass a federal background check for site access. Foreign nationals' access to the federal facility will be limited to weekdays, and with the presence of a federal escort.
• Due to project deliverables, the targeted start date for this position is January 1, 2027. The finalist must be able to work legally in the U.S. on a full-time basis and pass a federal background clearance by that date. We are therefore unable to consider applications from individuals needing visa sponsorship or working in the U.S through a visa or a work permit.
• Travel for conferences and workshops several times per year is required.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• The hiring salary range for this position is $65,000- $70,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Some relocation expenses are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder 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 receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America’s Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be effective. Be open. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, a related Earth system science, or relevant field of study. Candidates must have successfully defended their doctoral dissertation and completed all thesis corrections prior to the targeted start date of January 1, 2027.
• One year of experience in research related to ocean-atmosphere coupling, which may have been acquired through previous work or educational experience.
• Experience with ocean-atmosphere coupled simulations at convection permitting scales.
• Experience with high-performance computing and statistical data analysis.
• Experience integrating field campaign data into modeling studies of ocean-atmosphere coupling.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated ability to lead first-author scientific publications.
• Ability to effectively communicate research findings, including at conferences and workshops.
• Ability to attend conferences and workshops.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required skills and desired skills, applicants do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We provide on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Experience applying statistical and machine learning methods to examine ocean-atmosphere coupling.
• Experience in software development for data pre- and post-processing, analysis, and visualization.