Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cloud Remote Sensing and Arctic Climate

RFCSR; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid leave

Professional development resources

Job summary

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. You will work at the interface of satellite observations, radiative transfer, and climate science to contribute to high-impact polar cloud studies.

The position involves collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, state-of-the-art satellite missions, and opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Satellite remote sensing

Quantitative data analysis

Radiative transfer

Cloud physics

Atmospheric modeling

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in Atmospheric Science, Physics, Earth System Science, or closely related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

IDL

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cloud Remote Sensing and Arctic Climate

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)

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.