Satellite Remote Sensing Specialist Weather Research

Postdoctoral Fellow – Atmospheric Cloud Research

Colorado State University’s Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to develop physics‑based and machine‑learning methods for environmental satellite remote sensing applications. This full‑time position supports NOAA‑funded research projects, including global 3D satellite cloud studies and multi‑scale weather applications.

• Conduct research on satellite‑based estimation of global cloud properties using geostationary and polar‑orbiting data.
• Develop and apply physics‑/statistics‑based and AI/ML methods for environmental remote sensing.
• Validate research results with in‑situ measurements and intercomparisons with multiple satellite datasets.
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and collaborative research projects.
• Collaborate with operational partners, product end users, and interdisciplinary teams.

• Ph.D. in Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, or a closely related STEM field (defense must be completed before start).
• Experience in satellite remote sensing related to atmospheric clouds.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and manipulating scientific datasets for meteorological applications.
• Experience working in team environments and effectively communicating scientific results.

• Experience with in‑situ weather and climate measurements.
• Proficiency in programming (Python) and statistical/machine‑learning methods.
• Knowledge of atmospheric cloud retrieval products and radiative transfer models.
• Experience writing for scientific publications.

• Appointment: 12 months with flexible start between January 1 – March 1, 2026.
• Option to renew for an additional year based on performance and funding.
• Work schedule:
  
  40 hours/week, hybrid flexibility considered.
• Pre‑employment criminal background check required.

Applicants must apply online through the CSU portal. Required materials:

• Cover Letter addressing all required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume/CV.
• Professional References (3, with recent collaboration experience).

CSU is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring practices. Applicants may redact age‑related information in application materials.

Linn Barrett, linn.barrett