Lab Scientist

Role details

Summary

Job Summary

This postdoctoral position is funded through the Moore Foundation to support a research program on the fundamental understanding of the underlying physics in nature-inspired liquid-solid suspensions. We are seeking a scientist with a focus on rheology and fluid dynamics. The position is available as soon as possible for a period of 2 years.

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

Our lab investigates granular materials and we are using a variety of smart experimental techniques to reveal granular rheology. Our target in this program is to capture stress transformations at the particle-scale, to model rheology accurately and precisely, and to obtain unprecedented insight on the solid-liquid interactions in environmental applications such as mushy layers, ice crystals in cold reservoirs, permafrost or cohesive turbidity currents.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Your key responsibilities will be to participate in novel research in our laboratory, collaborate with other members, generate research results, and publish research papers. Tasks will include:

• Conducting a thorough investigation of the (shear-thickening, non-Newtonian) rheological behaviour of our photoelastic suspension mixtures,
• Improving and experimenting with a constant-pressure imposed 2D rheometer to test our particle-fluid mixtures.
• Creating and measuring a variety of natural occurring liquid-solid suspensions in analogue laboratory experiments.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary for this role will be $60,000 - $70,000 annually.

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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be excited. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in a STEM field, for example engineering, physics or applied mathematics.

What You Will Need

• Experience in conducting laboratory experiments and data analysis.
• We greatly value independent thought and creativity. Please don’t hesitate to apply if you possess these characteristics but encountered an extended period of leave or a non-linear career path.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Evidence of taking initiative and trying new methods and approaches that have never been tested before.
• Experience with high-speed image acquisition and data analysis with Matlab or Python.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:

• Cover Letter: Please include a statement on how you could contribute to the scientific goals of this research program, to its diversity, and to the positive, supportive atmosphere of our research group.
• Resume/CV.
• (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD: 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 an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

During the application process, you will be asked to provide the name and email address for one reference, from whom we will request a confidential letter of recommendation immediately following the submission of your complete application.

Please apply by September 30, 2026 for full consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email.

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.