Post Doctoral Research Associate @ University of Wyoming

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Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.

Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.

Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.

Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.

Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE:

Post Doctoral Research Associate

JOB PURPOSE:

This four-year project involves close collaboration with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Oklahoma (OU) to advance understanding of the optical properties of mineral dust aerosols through integrated laboratory measurements, numerical modeling, and remote sensing analyses and to run a research program targeting undergraduate students at a community college in WY for workforce development.

The researcher will focus on developing and applying advanced light-scattering simulations and particle morphology models for mineral dust aerosols, in conjunction with applications to laboratory measurements and satellite/ground-based remote sensing through collaborations. The research will also assist developing and running a research program designed for undergraduate students. This position offers opportunities to engage with a multidisciplinary team, contribute to high-impact publications, and mentor students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Characterize the morphology of mineral dust particles from the scanning microscopic images of dust particles.
Develop an irregular mineral dust particle model.
Use the state-of-the-art light scattering computational capabilities to simulate optical properties of the irregular mineral dust particle model across visible to infrared wavelengths.
Validate the optical property simulations with laboratory measurements from DRI and refine morphology models.
Contribute to the development of mineral dust optical property datasets for use in in-situ optical probe algorithms, satellite retrieval algorithms and climate models.
Develop and assist running an immersive research program for undergraduate students at a community college in WY.
Disseminate scientific findings at conferences and meetings and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

COMPETENCIES:

Attention to Detail
Consistency
Collaboration
Quality Orientation
Analysis/Problem Identification

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in atmospheric science, physics, applied mathematics, computational science, or a related field (degree conferred by start date).
Strong computational skills in languages such as Fortran, C/C++, or Python.
Proven record of peer-reviewed publications.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated experience in electromagnetic scattering theory or light-scattering computations for non-spherical particles.
Familiarity with high-performance computing environments.
Familiarity with aerosol optics and mineral dust research.
Experience integrating model results with laboratory or remote sensing observations.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

Cover letter

Resume or C.V.

Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

Due to a current system limitation, you may only be prompted to upload your resume/CV and a Cover Letter. To ensure your application is complete, we recommend you put all of your application materials into one file with your cover letter. However, if you're experiencing any issues in doing so, please send any additional application materials to [email protected], and a recruiter will manually add them to your application packet. To help us process your application more efficiently, please include the 6-digit job ID number (located at the bottom of the job posting) in your email.

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 10/22/2025 will receive full consideration.

WORK LOCATION:

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work on campus.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

Work authorization sponsorship may be available for this position, conditioned on the non-applicability of the fees implemented in 90 FR 46027 to the visa petition.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [email protected]. 

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Atmospheric Science

University of Wyoming