Job Description Summary:

Are you an ambitious early-career scientist with a recently awarded Ph.D., looking to make a significant impact in the scientific community?

The NSF - National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join our prestigious Advanced Study Program.

This opportunity is designed for individuals who have received their Ph.D. within the last five years and are eager to immerse themselves in groundbreaking research.

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will conduct innovative research that aligns with and enhances the work being done at NSF NCAR. We are looking for individuals with a strong foundation in:

- Atmospheric Science
- Solar Science
- Earth System Science
- Science Education Research
- Engineering

Successful candidates will also demonstrate a strong ability to conduct independent research and possess a passion for scientific discovery.
This is your chance to contribute to a collaborative scientific environment and significantly advance your professional development.

Fellowships typically begin in October, but earlier starts may be possible if funds are available. All fellowships must commence by January 25, 2027.

Ready to embark on a challenging yet rewarding scientific journey? Apply today and join our pioneering team!

Have Questions?
Join Our Informational Sessions

Please join our upcoming Informational Sessions with Scott Landolt and Scott Briggs. This is your chance to learn about the application process, timelines, hiring procedures, and get all your questions answered directly.

Scheduled Sessions (Mountain Time):

Wednesday, July 16, 2025: 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Tuesday, July 29, 2025: 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM

Zoom Meeting Access: Specific Zoom meeting information can be found at: https://edec.ucar.edu/advanced-study-program/prospective-applicants

For Additional Assistance:
Please direct your inquiries to asp-apply@ucar.edu.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Annual Salary: $80,480 year 1

Annual Salary: $83,270 year 2

Application Notes

Location: Boulder, CO (Minimum of 3 days per week must be on-site)

Term: Full-time, 1-year term with the possibility of a 1-year extension.

Visa Sponsorship: Available

Relocation Reimbursement: Available

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

Before You Apply

Before applying, we highly recommend reviewing the detailed guidelines on our website: https://edec.ucar.edu/advanced-study-program/prospective-applicants

To help you prepare your application, please review the following resources:

• Explore our Research: Understand our work and how your proposed research can make a significant impact by visiting:

  • NCAR Organizational Units: https://edec.ucar.edu/advanced-study-program/description-ncar-organizational-units

  • Our 4 Strategic Projects (APAR not available): https://ncarprojects.ucar.edu/

• Application Requirements: During the application process, you will need to:

• Complete our Application Questionnaire: https://edec.ucar.edu/advanced-study-program/prospective-applicants/asp-postdoctoral-fellowship-application-questionnaire

• Select at least one NSF NCAR laboratory that aligns with your research interests: https://edec.ucar.edu/advanced-study-program/description-ncar-organizational-units

• You may optionally select a second laboratory or one of the 4 Strategic Projects: https://ncarprojects.ucar.edu/

Important Application Information

To ensure your application is considered, you must submit the following three documents as separate PDFs, along with a completed questionnaire. Please note: page limits are strict and non-negotiable. 

Applications exceeding these limits will not be considered. You'll upload each document individually during the application process.

1. One-page Cover Letter (strict limit, 8.5 x 11 inch, 10 point font minimum). Tell the search committee about your qualifications and research interests

2. Three-page Research Proposal (strict limit, 8.5 x 11 inch, 10 point font minimum). A fourth page is permitted for references only. In this document, please outline:

• The research you propose to conduct at NSF NCAR.

• Why, working at NSF NCAR, with guidance from our staff, would be particularly beneficial for your research.

• The broader impacts of your research (see https://new.nsf.gov/funding/learn/broader-impacts for guidance).

 Note: While NSF NCAR scientific staff can offer general guidance on laboratory priorities, they cannot write or review your proposal. For assistance in connecting with a scientist for guidance, please email asp-apply@ucar.edu. 

3. A two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional background.

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
 

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and Execute Original Research Plans: Lead the conceptualization, design, and conduct of innovative research aligned with your expertise and our scientific priorities. 

• Document and Disseminate Findings: Effectively communicate your research outcomes to a broad scientific audience. This involves preparing high-quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and delivering compelling presentations at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.

• Collaborate with Leading Scientists: Engage in dynamic collaborations with distinguished scientists, researchers, and other postdoctoral fellows within NSF NCAR. Benefit from their extensive knowledge, mentorship, and perspectives, fostering a rich environment for intellectual exchange and scientific advancement.

• Contribute to a Vibrant Postdoctoral Community: Actively participate in and enrich our thriving postdoctoral community. This may include contributing to service initiatives, engaging in outreach activities to inspire the next generation of scientists, and participating in professional development programs designed to enhance your skills and career trajectory.

​

This Postdoctoral Fellow position offers an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Expand Your Scientific Knowledge and Expertise: Deepen your understanding of complex scientific phenomena, acquire new technical skills, and broaden your intellectual horizons through direct engagement with cutting-edge research.

• Make Meaningful Contributions to Science: Play a role in addressing critical scientific challenges and contributing to the global understanding of atmospheric, solar, and Earth system processes, science education, or engineering. 

• Build a Strong Professional Network: Establish invaluable connections with leading researchers and institutions, opening doors to future collaborations and career opportunities.

• Experience a Supportive and Stimulating Research Environment: Thrive in an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere that fosters creativity, innovation, and intellectual growth.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
 

Education & Experience REQUIRED:

• Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree in a field related to NSF NCAR's research.

• If you have not yet completed your degree, you must successfully defend your thesis and complete all revisions by December 31, 2025. No exceptions will be made.

• This program is designed for early-career researchers. Preference will be given to applicants who have received their degree within the last five years. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Demonstrate a broad base of established and growing knowledge that can contribute to Earth system sciences.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the specific research area.

• Ability to design sound, ethical research protocols, safely perform the techniques necessary to conduct and analyze this research, and navigate the scientific publishing processes.

• Ability to develop and implement scientific methods related to achieving research goals using past experience and general scientific research skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by a record of presenting scientific results and writing papers.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.

• Proven ability to prioritize, organize, and follow through on tasks.

​

 

Benefits Overview 

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance,  UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

• 10 paid holidays

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Commitment to Job Application Fairness

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

Some Final Considerations

At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science  problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.

Work Location

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

AI Software

ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing the way society receives, processes, and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications, we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work.