Lab Scientist

Job Summary

This postdoctoral position is funded through the Moore Foundation to support a research program on the fundamental understanding of the underlying physics in nature-inspired liquid-solid suspensions. We are seeking a scientist with a focus on rheology and fluid dynamics. The position is available as soon as possible for a period of 2 years.

Who We Are

Our lab investigates granular materials and uses a variety of smart experimental techniques to reveal granular rheology. Our target in this program is to capture stress transformations at the particle-scale, to model rheology accurately and precisely, and to obtain unprecedented insight on the solid-liquid interactions in environmental applications such as mushy layers, ice crystals in cold reservoirs, permafrost or cohesive turbidity currents.

Responsibilities

• Conducting a thorough investigation of the (shear-thickening, non-Newtonian) rheological behavior of our photoelastic suspension mixtures.
• Improving and experimenting with a constant-pressure imposed 2D rheometer to test our particle-fluid mixtures.
• Creating and measuring a variety of natural occurring liquid-solid suspensions in analogue laboratory experiments.

What We Can Offer

• Starting salary range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit.

What We Require

• PhD in a STEM field, for example engineering, physics or applied mathematics.

What You Will Need

• Experience in conducting laboratory experiments and data analysis.
• Experience with high-speed image acquisition and data analysis with Matlab or Python.

Special Instructions

• To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:
• Cover Letter: Please include a statement on how you could contribute to the scientific goals of this research program, to its diversity, and to the positive, supportive atmosphere of our research group.
• Resume/CV. (Optional)
• Transcripts/Proof of PhD: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.
• During the application process, you will be asked to provide the name and email address for one reference, from whom we will request a confidential letter of recommendation immediately following the submission of your complete application.
• Please apply by September 30, 2026 for full consideration.
• Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email.
• In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.