Research Scientist I

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mountain Limnology Laboratory (MLL) at INSTAAR, University of Colorado Boulder, is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on a USGS Next Generation Water Observing System project focused on remotely sensed dissolved organic matter (DOM) in inland waters. The role offers training in data-driven research and professional networking with federal scientists.

The position supports collaboration across MLL projects, with opportunities to develop own research questions and to mentor students,

Qualifications

• PhD in Ecology, Limnology, Hydrology, Watershed Science, or closely related field.
• Experience collaborating with a diversity of colleagues remotely and in person.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Integrate into ongoing Mountain Limnology Laboratory projects and develop independent lines of inquiry on inland water biogeochemistry.
• Leverage datasets (e.g., DOM) and model approaches to contribute to USGS-related objectives and publications.

Skills

Data science

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Ecology, Limnology, Hydrology, Watershed Science, or closely related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Mountain Limnology Laboratory (MLL) at the Institute of Arcticand Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at University of Colorado Boulder isrecruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on a project funded bythe U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing SystemProgram. The primary project aims to develop interpretations from aU.S. continental-scale water quality dataset of remotely senseddissolved organic matter (DOM). The postdoc will be integrated intoother ongoing projects within the MLL and will have opportuntiesto develop their own lines of inquiry on topics related to inlandwater biogeochemistry. This project provides a training opportunityfor exciting data-driven research and for building a professionalnetwork that includes both academic and federal scientists. Weanticipate that the scientist will gain new, internationalcollaborators, develop new skills, and take part in professionaldevelopment activities (e.g., Global Lake Ecological Observatory(GLEON) and other all hands’ meetings, relevant conferences,student mentoring, educational programs).

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history ofresponding to pressing environmental issues including climatechange. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, andAntarctic regions, where effects of global change are especiallypronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened toinclude environmental challenges that span local, regional, andglobal scales. INSTAAR’s research activities integrate fieldstudies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis,and numerical and laboratory modeling. Our field sites are locatedacross all seven continents and the world's oceans.

Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influentialscience that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national andinternational research leadership is augmented by exceptionalstrength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into theresearch process.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The postdoctoral researcher will leverage 1.8 million published andanalysis-ready water column dissolved organic carbon concentrationscollected in inland waters (Aquasat V2), paired with Landsatsurface reflectance, to build predictive models of DOM in lakes andrivers. Products will include (1) a data release of internallyconsistent national-scale DOM data, (2) publication of statisticaland machine learning models predicting DOM concentrations at anational scale, and (3) at least one journal article documentingmodels and synthesizing results to inform future water qualityobservation programs and water resource management. Intendedbeneficiaries include USGS water monitoring programs, waterresource decision makers, and the broader aquatic sciencecommunity.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in Ecology, Limnology, Hydrology, Watershed Science, or aclosely related field.

What You Will Need

• Passion for and experience in collaborating with a diversity ofcolleagues at various career stages, both remotely and inperson.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Skills in data science (such as AI/ML).
• Strong statistical background.
• Expertise in ecosystem science, limnology, biogeochemistry,hydrology, geography, or related fields.
• Passion for open science in principle and in practice.