Research Scientist

The Mountain Limnology Laboratory (MLL) at the Institute of Arcticand Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at University of Colorado Boulder is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on a project funded bythe U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program. 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 opportunity for exciting data-driven research and for building a professional network that includes both academic and federal scientists. We anticipate that the scientist will gain new, international collaborators, develop new skills, and take part in professional development 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 all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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, and Antarctic 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 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 influentialscience 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 exceptionalstrength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.

The postdoctoral researcher will leverage 1.8 million published and analysis-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 statistical and 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.

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

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. In fact,…