Research Scientist I

Job Summary

The Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado-Boulder is seeking a highly qualified PostDoctoral Associate to work on pre- and post-launch phases of development and application of remote sensing algorithms for the cryosphere applied to the Thermal infrared Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Nature Resource Assessment (TRISHNA) mission. The position is funded by the NASA Earth System Science Research program on the Hydrosphere. The candidate will join the Mountain Hydrology Group at INSTAAR and the Snow Today team at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) that are comprised of faculty, researchers, students, software developers, operations and communications specialists.

Who We Are

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global 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 influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate will work with the PI and contribute to the team's research investigations into the application of physically based models combining optical and thermal data to retrieve snow surface properties from satellite observations. To support U.S. Earth Research, investigations seek to improve continental scale estimates of snow cover, snow albedo, snow radiative forcing, and snow wetness and their connections with snow volume and melt at high spatial and temporal resolutions.

What You Should Know

Ideal start date is 8/1/2026; End date is 7/31/2027; Potential renewal for second year if funding is available. Position is contingent on continued funding in the Federal or state grants and contracts funding the position.

What We Can Offer

$73,000 - $77,000/year.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. degree in Earth Science, geophysics, engineering, environmental science, hydrology, geography, or related fields.
• Experience working with airborne and satellite data.
• Experience leading analysis and peer-reviewed publications in remote sensing and Earth sciences journals on snow related topics.
• Experience presenting at geophysical, environmental, or weather-related conferences and meetings.
• Ability and desire to develop, run, inspect, and modify existing scientific code and develop new approaches.

What You Will Need

• Ability to lead independent research. Excellent communication verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with basic computer software including the Microsoft Office suite, programming languages such as Python, R and /or MATLAB.
• Willingness to learn new methods or skills to support project goals.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Strong publication record, Expertise in data fusion methods.