Smead Distinguished Postdoctoral Associate
Requisition Number:
65202
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
17-Jun-2025
Date Posted:
13-Jun-2025
Job Summary
The Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) within CU Boulder’s College of Engineering Sciences (CEAS) invites applications for the inaugural Smead Distinguished Postdoctoral Associate. This position will work in AES’ Bioastronautics Focus Area under the supervision of Asst. Professor Katya Arquilla.
A highly motivated and independent scholar is sought with training and deep expertise in bioastronautics. The Postdoctoral Associate will incorporate the newly developed “Investment Construct” into a human participant study that simulates future Lunar missions with significant
communication delays, where AI-based autonomous agents support humans instead of relying on mission control from Earth. This postdoctoral work aims to address a gap in the literature regarding the unexplored relationship between the newly developed Investment Construct and human physiological responses through human physiological data collection methods and analysis.
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
CU Boulder is the place for aerospace. Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of aeronautics and astronautics research, crafting next-generation aircraft, growing the possibilities of remote sensing, and building space instruments and satellites for orbit around Earth and beyond!
Our mission is to provide students the highest quality education in aerospace engineering sciences, emphasizing hands-on learning, and to conduct fundamental, applied, and interdisciplinary research to meet societal needs through analysis, design, and implementation of aerospace systems, using connections between aerospace engineering and related sciences. We are home to 56-tenure track, research, and instructional faculty, over 600 graduate students and 1,200 undergraduates.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Design and conduct fundamental engineering science experiments in support of project goals and milestones.
- Collect, prepare, and analyze data for publication in high-quality scientific journals.
- Work collaboratively with a diverse, interdisciplinary team of graduate students, research scientists, internal and external to the University of Colorado Boulder.
- Assist in drafting and reviewing project technical reports.
- Supervise, train, and mentor other laboratory personnel.
What We Can Offer
Salary range of $70,000-75,000. Relocation assistance may be available in accordance with College and Campus policy. A travel allowance up to $5,000 is available for conference travel and professional development, which shall be paid through the department’s reimbursement policies. Participation in The Smead Program, to include professional development and other events.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
Be Statements
Be groundbreaking. Be creative. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- PhD in aerospace engineering or a related field.
- Strong technical foundation and experience in aerospace research.
- Excellent technical writing skills, as evidenced by multiple high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
What You Will Need
- Ability to work independently.
- Demonstrated leadership capability.
- High motivation for mentorship, project management, and collaboration.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for one reference who will be contacted to provide letters of recommendation as the search progresses.
Please apply by 6/17/2025 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