PostDoctoral Associate

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Job Summary

Conduct experiments on the high-temperature oxidation of silicon carbide using a nanoparticle mass spectrometry (NPMS) instrument, with the goals of measuring the mass-change kinetics of SiC as a function of temperature in low-pressure environments containing O2 and O atoms and using this data to infer the oxidation mechanisms both below and above the passive-to-active transition.

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

Research in the MBEAM Laboratory is focused on gas-phase and gas-surface scattering dynamics that are relevant to hypersonic flows and spacecraft interactions with the residual atmosphere in the low Earth orbital (LEO) environment. There are additional projects aimed at understanding the ablation phenomena of materials in hypersonic flow and LEO environments. The main techniques used for this experimental research are crossed molecular-beams scattering, molecular beam-surface scattering, mass spectrometry, temperature-programmed desorption, surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron microscopy.

Projects often involve close collaborations with theoreticians or modelers and experimentalists with complementary expertise. The successful candidate for the current position will work on a new nanoparticle mass spectrometry (NPMS) instrument in collaboration with the University of Utah.

What Your

Key Responsibilities Will Be

Daily tasks, including but not limited to:

* Maintenance of vacuum hardware.

* Maintenance of electronics components, lasers, optical systems, and mass spectrometer.

* Maintain and operate a NPMS instrument.

* Analyze and Interpret data.

* Organize laboratory.

* Order supplies.

* Prepare reports as well as manuscripts for publication.

* Interact with MBEAM Laboratory students, post-docs, and staff, as well as external collaborators, external sponsors, and facilities personnel.

What You Should Know

This appointment will not support J1 or H1B visa applications.

What We Can Offer

$70,000-$80,000 salary.

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.

Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

* Ph.D. degree in chemistry, physics, or engineering.

What You Will Need

* Aptitude for operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory hardware.

* Ability and motivation to learn unfamiliar science and engineering topics.

* Meticulous, careful, and thoughtful at carrying out tasks.

* Modest computer programming ability.

* Interest in the application of fundamental gas-surface interactions to aerospace applications.

* Sufficient desire and work ethic to accomplish goals.

* Good writing and presentation skills.

* Good organizational skills - of both physical objects and thoughts.

* Work well with others.

* Sufficient maturity to work independently, represent the lab to others, and mentor less-experienced co-workers.

What We Would Like You to Have

* Experience with vacuum systems.

* Experience with mass spectrometry.

* Experience with lasers and laser spectroscopy.

* Experience with high temperature measurements.

* Knowledge of gas-surface interactions.

* Knowledge of high-temperature oxidation of ceramic materials.

* Knowledge of materials used for hypersonics applications.

Special Instructions

To apply , please submit the following materials as individual files:

* Cover Letter.

* Resume/CV.
* (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD:
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

For consideration, please apply by June 12, 2026.

Note:

Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

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