CIRES / Postdoctoral Scientist in Microphysics and Radar Meteorology

About the role

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to conduct research on cloud microphysics and precipitation processes using ground-based radar observations. The candidate will work on a dataset collected with the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Mobile Facility for the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) campaign near Gothic, CO, in the Rocky Mountains.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing remote sensing observations from vertically-pointing and scanning radars to determine spatial and temporal evolution of clouds and precipitation (30%).
• Applying state-of-the-art and developing new analysis techniques (20%).
• Combining remote-sensing observations with other in-situ observations to further bridge the gap between microphysical processes in clouds and precipitation at the surface (20%).
• Dissemination of research results through conference presentations and journal articles (25%).
• Conducting and leading regular meetings with the research group and SAIL and SPLASH science groups (5%).

Requirements

• A PhD in Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, or related Physical Sciences, with the defense taking place by the start date of the position.
• Experience using Linux/Unix systems and developing structured code in Python, MATLAB, and shell scripting.
• Extensive experience in dual-Doppler analysis, dual-frequency analysis, signal processing, quality control, algorithm development, and large data set management.
• At least 3 years of experience in working with radars used for atmospheric research (e.g., 35 GHz cloud radar).

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of cloud microphysics and precipitation processes.
• Expertise with PyTorch and PyTMatrix.
• Prominent publication records in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to microphysics, precipitation, and radars.
• Strong skills with data processing and visualization.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks.

Skills

• Experience with dynamical processes in mountainous terrain.
• Experience with the SAIL and SPLASH datasets collected in the East River Watershed in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Benefits

• Compensation package including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Moderate paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
• ECO Pass for local transit.

Pay

$65,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

8-month term position, starting December 1, 2026, ending July 31, 2027.