Lucas J. Kimes Postdoctoral Fellowship

Job Summary

Job Summary

The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) invites applications for the Lucas J. Kimes Postdoctoral Fellowship. Through this fellowship, the Department seeks to support the early-career development of innovative scientists ready to address important challenges in the Earth Sciences. The Fellowship is also intended to enhance diversity in the geosciences, both at CU Boulder and in the broader academic and professional community by supporting researchers and scholars from a variety of backgrounds, races, ethnicities and historically excluded populations. Accordingly, the program is open to all persons who meet the eligibility criteria without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or identity, religion, irreligion, age, marital or family status.

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

Who We Are

The University of Colorado at Boulder is ideally suited to the study of geological sciences. At the junction of the high plains and the Rocky Mountains, the Boulder area represents a natural outdoor laboratory where you can study geological features of all ages in diverse settings and observe earth processes firsthand.

The department has research laboratories for studying rock and mineral deformation, soils, sedimentation, geomicrobial processes, petrology, isotope geochemistry, and mineralogy. Beyond the department, researchers also have access to a broad variety of shared analytical facilities across the CU Boulder campus. The department is affiliated with several research centers and institutes (INSTAAR, CSDMS, CIRES, LASP) and offers a diverse set of resources for teaching and research.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Full-time mentored research and/or scholarship and field-appropriate professional activities in preparation for transition into a career.
• These professional activities may include; performing research/scholarship under direct mentorship, submitting fellowship and/or grant applications, drafting and submitting publications of your research/scholarship, attending and/or presenting your research/scholarship at national and international meetings, mentoring junior trainees, attend responsible conduct of research training, attending professional skills training workshops offered through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
• Secondary responsibilities may be engaged as a part of professional development; however, such activities as lab management.

What You Should Know

What You Should Know

• Anticipated start date is June 1, 2026.

What We Can Offer

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $60,000-$65,000 annually for a 2-year position.

Benefits

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 Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

What We Require

• PhD in Geosciences or related field conferred by start date.

Special Instructions

Special Instructions

Please include the following Application materials:

1. Cover letter, which must identify the proposed mentor(s) who are faculty members in the Department of Geological Sciences and confirm that the applicant has discussed the proposed fellowship research with the proposed faculty mentor(s)
2. CV
3. Personal Statement (4-page, 2,000-word maximum, single spaced) including:
   • Research, scholarly, and creative work accomplishments to date;
   • Research, scholarly, and creative work plan for the fellowship period;
   • Future academic career goals; and
   • Academic and personal experience that will offer different perspectives to the CU Boulder community and your discipline.

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 (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references. One of these letters must be from the proposed Geological Sciences faculty mentor(s). We will request letters of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until January 30th, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted 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.

Read Full Description