Research Scientist

Position: Research Scientist I
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Job Summary

This post doctoral scholar position is to support the NSF funded Ross Sea marine protected area (MPA) Research Coordination Network (RCN). The RCN works to improve the understanding of the Ross Sea ecosystem structure and function and to support research and monitoring in the Ross Sea MPA. The RCN includes three key components: (i) policy engagement, (ii) community partner engagement, and (iii) integrated science comprising three themes: data science and cyberinfrastructure;

biophysical modeling; and observations, which includes monitoring and process studies.

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

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. INSTAAR's research activities integrate field studies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis, and numerical and laboratory modeling.

Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world's oceans.

Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.

What Your

Key Responsibilities Will Be

The main responsibilities will be helping to complete and coordinate research activities for the Ross Sea MPA. This includes activities under MPA objective 3, focused on research activities and objective 6, focused on preyscape. For this position, the post doc will perform research syntheses, including of literature and data, and create prey distribution models. The postdoc will also support research towards developing a ecological index for the Ross Sea in collaboration with RCN PIs.

What We Can Offer

$67,000 - $68,000/year.

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 adventurous. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

* PhD in environmental studies or related field, research experience in and about Antarctica.

What You Will Need

* Experience working with Research Coordination Networks, experience doing data syntheses and species distribution models.

Special Instructions

To apply , please submit the following materials:

* Resume or CV.

* Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree:
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. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 6/12/2026 for consideration.

Note:

Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted 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

Posting Contact Name:
Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email:
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