Job Summary
RM-NobLES is seeking candidates for a two-year postdoctoral position focused on establishing analytical routines for non-traditional noble gas geochronologic systems for applications in terrestrial impact cratering. As this project includes a significant noble gas mass spectrometry method development component, the research will include laboratory activities such as establishing standards, testing analytical routines, and developing data reduction programs/pipelines. The postdoc will also assist the laboratory manager and PI with laboratory operations, such as mass spectrometer and gas extraction line instrument maintenance and sample preparation. We subscribe to the team mentoring approach since graduate and undergraduate students benefit greatly from working in groups with researchers with diverse research backgrounds. The postdoc will have the opportunity to assist with student mentoring.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The Rocky Mountain Noble Gas Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Samples (RM-NobLES) is a newly established NASA Planetary Science Enabling Facility with the capability to measure all noble gases from He to Xe. Our lab supports a variety of research projects investigating the Moon, Mars, asteroid parent bodies, and terrestrial impact craters. We are a collaborative research group with a strong focus on training the next generation of sample scientists and instrumentation specialists.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Noble Gas research activities and sample analysis pertaining to method development and establishing new analytical routines
- Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals
- Presentation of results at meetings and conferences
- Assisting with operations in the noble gas laboratory, including instrument maintenance, standards calibration, sample preparation, data analysis, and software development
- Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $65,000 annually + $2k in startup expenses and $2k in moving expenses.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- PhD in Earth or Planetary Science, or related field
- Demonstrated publication record
- Experience working with one of the following: noble gas applications, geochronology, geochemistry, planetary samples, terrestrial impact craters, or mass spectrometry
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience with noble gas analyses
- Proficiency in coding with MATLAB or Python
- Experience, or willingness to learn, LabVIEW
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter
- Please include a discussion of relevant research and how the position aligns with your career goals in the cover letter.
- Optional: Writing Sample (s)
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 a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for two references who may be contacted to provide letters of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Please apply by November 13, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
