Posting Detail Information
Working TitleHydroclimate Postdoctoral Fellow - Rugenstein Research Group
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202401859AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitlePostdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$63,000 - $67,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; its a thriving community thats 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 ( , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (
+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator ( .
+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in ( !
Desired Start Date01/01/2025
Position End Date (if temporary)12/31/2026
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on11/18/2024
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nations 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 Rugenstein Research Group focusses on large-scale climate dynamics and ocean-atmosphere interaction. We study the Earths energy balance, how radiative feedbacks depend on surface warming patterns, ocean heat uptake, US hydroclimate, and hemispheric albedo symmetry.
Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Fellow will perform research on US hydroclimate, Pacific surface warming patterns, and the hot model problem in CMIP6. The project includes a collaboration with GFDL / NOAA and the Colorado Climate Center. One focus of the project is impacts of precipitation on the Colorado River Basin. Depending on interest, the postdoc could visit GFDL , use the SPEAR large initial condition ensemble and run perturbed simulations, and/or engage with stakeholders on the state level. The research could but does not have to apply state-of-the-art machine learning methods and further develop initial results of our group predicting precipitation over the US from Pacific surface temperatures. The position can be adapted to the selected candidates interests and bringing your own questions and Initiative is highly welcome.
This position requires a strong background in programming and statistics, and enthusiasm about handling a large amount of complex data, including climate model output and observations. A background in physics and basic knowledge of hydroclimate, extreme events, and general climate dynamics are advantageous. Advising and teaching experience is desired.
This is a cutting-edge, high-impact position aiming at applying recent findings in climate dynamics to concrete applied questions of climate change predictions. The position will report directly to Maria Rugenstein and will be a part of a vibrant community of scientists both within the Rugenstein and Schumacher groups, the Atmospheric Science Department, and international model intercomparison projects. The applicant should be willing and able to support writing grant proposals and help with graduate student supervision.
The chosen candidate will be required to work Fort Collins and will benefit from the highly interactive climate at the Department of Atmospheric Science. Temporary remote work may be an option, but this is not a remote position.
Required Job Qualifications
+ PhD by the position start date
+ PhD in climate, earth or environmental science, math, physics, or related field
+ A strong record of publication in the peer-reviewed literature
+ Documented ability to do independent research
+ Experience in programming
Preferred Job Qualifications
+ Experience in statistics
+ Experience in climate modelling
+ Experience in teaching and advising
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Departments commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryConduct Original and Collaborative Research
Duty/Responsibility
+ Perform research on hydroclimate in general circulation models
+ Explore, develop and utilize statistical methods for analyzing observations and climate model output with the aim to predict precipitation across the Southwest US.
+ Develop solutions to complex problems, understand the results and recommend research strategies
+ Solve research questions by incorporating relevant new ideas, techniques and developments
Percentage Of Time80%
Job Duty CategoryCollaboration & Mentorship
Duty/Responsibility
+ Collaborate within the Rugenstein group and relevant external collaborators on related research topics
+ Work with external collaborators to best utilize their research insights
+ Mentor graduate students within the Rugenstein group
Percentage Of Time10%
Job Duty CategoryPublication and Presentation of Results
Duty/Responsibility
+ Publication/presentation of research results: the individual is expected to publish journal articles and project reports and report research results to collaborators and at meetings, conferences, and seminars
Percentage Of Time10%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, please upload a cover letter, your resume/CV, and the contact information for two (2) professional references by 11:59 PM ( MST ) on 11/18/2024. This posting will remain open until filled. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
The cover letter must state interest, address the required and preferred job qualifications for the position, and include a short research statement (not exceeding one page).
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 ContactMaria Rugenstein,
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 ( 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,
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,
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the Universitys 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,
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education ( .
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 Requested2
Maximum Requested2
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
+ Cover Letter
+ Resume or CV
Optional Documents