Research Scientist II

Job Summary

This position is for a Research Scientist II (Research Associate). The RSII would be expected to develop an independent research program in‑line with INSTAAR’s research themes and goals.

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.

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.

• Build an independent research program by securing research grants focused on applied knowledge of oceanic, atmospheric, ecosystem management, human‑climate interactions, natural earth‑systems processes, observations, technologies, and modeling to enable understanding of variability in the Earth system.
• Develop land use and land cover change time series for Community Earth System Model.
• Other research topics in‑line with INSTAAR’s research themes and goals.
• Manage research as outlined in research grants following all institute and university guidelines and requirements.
• Prepare manuscripts, datasets, and presentations for high‑impact journals and conferences.
• Contribute to an inclusive and ethical community of scholars in INSTAAR.

$75,000/year – $76,000/year (% FTE).

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.

• PhD in Earth science or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in postdoctoral research (or equivalent) post‑PhD in a field relevant to Earth science.
• Evidence of independent research post‑PhD including successful proposal writing and publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to think creatively about interdisciplinary aspects of Earth system science.
• Ability to apply for research grants independently and manage those grants post‑award.
• Ability to communicate effectively with institute staff.

• Expertise in ecosystem management and human‑ecosystem‑climate interaction.
• Experience developing Earth System Models.

Please submit the following materials through CU Boulder Jobs.

• Resume or CV.
• Cover Letter.
• (Optional) Transcripts or proof of degree. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English‑translated version.

To be considered, please apply by 7/9/2026. 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, applicants may redact or remove age‑identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. They will not be penalized for doing so.