Job Information
Colorado State University Deep Learning and Coupled Human-Climate Postdoctoral Fellow in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleDeep Learning and Coupled Human-Climate Postdoctoral Fellow
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202401617AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitlePostdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies3
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$63,500 - $64,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date11/01/2024
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/15/2024
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University is a large academic and research department in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. We currently have 23 faculty members, eighty graduate students, over seventy full-time researchers and postdoctoral fellows, and an outstanding and dedicated support staff, that comprise one of the most research-active units at the university. The department conducts more than $14M in externally sponsored research each year and is nationally ranked near the top of its field.
The Barnes, Keys and Hurrell Research Groups are comprised of highly motivated researchers passionate about climate variability, climate and societal change, and the data analysis tools used to understand them. Areas of active research include questions around the impacts of various climate mitigation and intervention strategies, earth system predictability across timescales, Anthropocene dynamics and change, high-resolution regional climate modeling, climate dynamics, climate change and sustainability, and explainable/interpretable AI for earth system research.
Position Summary
The postdoctoral scientist will work with the Barnes, Keys and Hurrell research teams to conduct independent and collaborative research related to the physical and societal impacts of various climate change and proposed climate intervention strategies by developing and applying hybrid deep-learning and coupled human-Earth system modeling frameworks to explore these questions. The position will help define the research and development direction of the research team in climate futures of the next 30 years, as well as participate in opportunities to apply earth system expertise to research efforts in other disciplines across and beyond the CSU campus. This is an exciting, high-impact position at the forefront of climate science and data science for coupled human-Earth system research and will provide exceptional opportunities for a motivated researcher to push the boundaries of current understanding.
The postdoctoral scientist will interact with and support graduate students and early career researchers, especially from the Barnes, Keys and Hurrell research groups, but also other research groups across the Atmospheric Science Department and Colorado State University. This position will report directly to Prof. Elizabeth Barnes and will be a part of a vibrant community of researchers within the Barnes, Keys and Hurrell groups, the Atmospheric Science Department, Colorado State University, and other funded collaborators.
Required Job Qualifications
A Ph.D. in an earth science field (e.g climate science, atmospheric science) or Ph.D. in a computer science/data science field with research experience in the earth sciences
Demonstrated experience applying machine learning techniques to earth system data
Demonstrated experience working both independently and collaboratively
Demonstrated experience working with large and/or complex data sets
Demonstrated experience writing and publishing scientific results in leading journals
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Publication record commensurate with experience.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Demonstrated research experience building novel machine learning architectures and applying them to earth system data
Familiarity and/or experience working with CMIP3/5/6 climate model output
Familiarity and/or experience working with state-of-the-art AI weather/climate emulators (e.g. Pangu Weather, FourCastNet-v2, GraphCast, ClimaX, ACE )
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryResearch and Analysis
Duty/Responsibility
This position will be responsible for the following duties as part of the research and analysis function:
Serve as a prominent researcher within the Barnes/Keys/Hurrell groups by conducting substantive scientific research at the intersection of AI and climate science
Explore, develop and utilize machine learning approaches for analyzing climate model output and observations to better understand and predict the changing Earth system
Develop solutions to complex problems, understand the results and recommend research strategies
Solve research questions by incorporating relevant new ideas, techniques and developments
Interact with members of the research group(s) and relevant collaborators by supporting their research
The postdoctoral scientist must have a record of conducting high-quality independent and collaborative research. The postdoctoral scientist must also have a desire to work with graduate students in a team setting. This will include mentoring, as appropriate, processing and analyzing observed and model generated climate data, and building AI tools for climate applications.
Percentage Of Time70
Job Duty CategoryPublication and Presentation of Research Results
Duty/Responsibility
This position will be expected to publish research findings in pre-prints, journal articles and project reports. The position will also be expected to prepare and present the research results at relevant meetings, conferences and seminars. This position will also be expected to communicate findings to the broader public through social media, interviews, podcasts, etc when relevant.
This position will also review proposals and research papers for agencies and journals. Specifically, this category involves:
Determining the concept for publications of research results
Preparation of manuscripts and scientific graphics for publications and sponsor reports
Selecting research results, preparing, and giving presentations at relevant conferences and seminars and sharing with the public when relevant.
Percentage Of Time20
Job Duty CategoryCareer Planning and Development
Duty/Responsibility
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to actively develop and plan for their career, via additional service and mentoring opportunities. Professional development opportunities will be provided to the postdoctoral researcher by their supervisor(s) based on their career plans and goals.
Career planning and development
Mentoring of graduate students and summer interns.
Percentage Of Time10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload your resume/CV, a cover letter that clearly addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
This posting will remain open until filled, however for full consideration, applications must be receivedby 11:59 PM ( MST ) on September 30, 2024.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactElizabeth Barnes, eabarnes@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume or CV
Optional Documents