Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for its prestigious Visiting Fellows Program. This highly competitive program offers two-year fellowships for postdoctoral researchers and terms of up to 12 months for senior scientists on leave or sabbatical. Visiting Fellows engage in interdisciplinary environmental science research, collaborating with CIRES and NOAA researchers in Boulder, Colorado. The program aims to stimulate novel research and foster lasting collaborations within the environmental sciences community. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups under-represented in the environmental sciences and related disciplines.
Designation
- Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow
- Sabbatical Visiting Fellow (Senior Scientist)
Research Area
Visiting Fellows work with CIRES researchers on a wide range of environmental science topics. Applicants should align their research interests with those of potential CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist sponsors.
Location
Boulder, Colorado, USA
Eligibility/Qualification
Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships
- Must be no more than 4 years out from completion of PhD at the time of application (exceptions for caretaking responsibilities or exceptional circumstances may be considered).
- Must have a Ph.D. granted in an area related to CIRES work; thesis defense and revisions must be approved before the start of the appointment. Proof of degree required before official start date.
- Not eligible if a past or current CU Boulder graduate student or postdoc.
- Not eligible if a current or former CIRES Visiting Fellow.
- International candidates are eligible; HR will assist with visa sponsorship if approved.
Sabbatical Visiting Fellowships
- Must hold an appointment at an academic or research institution.
- Expected to be mid to senior career.
- Not eligible if a University of Colorado Boulder graduate student, postdoc, researcher, research affiliate, sabbatical visitor, or faculty within 10 years of the application due date.
- Priority given to candidates affiliated with institutions outside the greater Boulder scientific community.
- Must be in residence at CIRES (or conducting related field research) for a minimum of 3 months (vacation and conference attendance do not count).
- International candidates are eligible; HR will assist with visa sponsorship if approved.
Job Description
Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships
- Term: Two-year fellowships.
- Salary: Annual salary of $70,000 in the first year, with a second-year increase based on campus merit and/or other base-building compensation.
- Research Budget: Up to $8,000 for research, plus a laptop provided separately.
- Relocation: Modest relocation stipend for the individual (family costs not covered).
- Responsibilities: Conduct interdisciplinary research in collaboration with CIRES and NOAA researchers; present work at the CIRES Rendezvous science symposium or arrange a seminar for the broader CIRES audience.
Sabbatical Visiting Fellowships
- Term: Between 3 and 12 months.
- Reimbursements: Modest requests to reimburse lodging expenses up to $2,500/month.
- Research Budget: Up to $8,000 for research-related travel, materials, and supplies, plus a laptop provided separately.
- Responsibilities: Conduct interdisciplinary research in collaboration with CIRES and NOAA researchers; present work at the CIRES Rendezvous science symposium or arrange a seminar for the broader CIRES audience; foster lasting relationships and collaborations between the applicant and CIRES faculty, scientists, and students.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit their materials online. It is crucial to contact possible CIRES Visiting Fellow Sponsors (CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist) well in advance of submitting an application, as successful proposals are typically designed in collaboration with a potential host. Support from a current CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist is essential for a successful application.
Application Requirements
- CV: 2-page NSF Template format.
- Transcripts: For Postdoctoral applicants, unofficial transcripts are acceptable to show PhD completion from an accredited program. Sabbatical applicants do not need to submit transcripts.
- Cover Letter (1-2 pages for Postdoc; max 2 pages for Sabbatical): Must include expected start date, name(s) of sponsoring CIRES Fellow(s) and other collaborators, nature of collaboration, justification for being a strong addition to CIRES (aligned with CIRES Strategic Plan), and a short description of a pivotal research experience (Postdoc) or how the sabbatical will enhance collaborations/potential for future research (Sabbatical).
- Research Proposal (3 pages max, 12 pt font, figures included, 10 pt font for captions; references not included in page limit): Outline motivation, novelty, contribution to the field, research question, methods, expected outcomes, and scientific rationale for conducting work at CIRES (linkages with sponsor’s research). Proposals should be written for a broad scientific audience.
- Letters of Recommendation: For Postdoctoral applicants, provide names and contact information for 3 recommenders. CIRES sponsors cannot write recommendation letters. Applicants are responsible for ensuring letters are submitted by the deadline.
Start your online application early to allow ample time for reference letter writers to be notified. The application submission website allows saving and returning to finish your application. Google Chrome is the preferred browser.
Last Date for Apply
- Application Period for 2026-2027 Award Cycle: October 19 through December 21.
- Recommendation Letters Due: One week after the application deadline.
Apply Link
A link for the application will be posted on the CIRES Visiting Fellows Program webpage when the application period opens.
