New

PostDoctoral Associate

CU Boulder
$75000.00-$85000.00
paid time off, tuition assistance
United States, Colorado, Boulder
Aug 20, 2026
Requisition Number: 74350 Location: Boulder, Colorado City Boulder State Colorado Employment Type: Research Faculty Schedule: Full-Time Posting Close Date: 03-Sep-2026 Date Posted: 20-Aug-2026 Close All Job Summary The MBEAM Lab, part of the Aerospace Mechanics Research Center at CU Boulder, is seeking a PostDoctoral Associate. The main techniques used in our experimental research are molecular beam-surface scattering, molecular beam exposures of material samples, molecular beam sampling mass spectrometry, as well as surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron microscopy. Projects often involve close collaborations with theoreticians or modelers and experimentalists with complementary expertise. 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 Research in the MBEAM Laboratory is focused on gas-surface interactions that are relevant to hypersonic flows and spacecraft interactions with the residual atmosphere in the low Earth orbital (LEO) environment. There are additional projects aimed at understanding the ablation phenomena of materials in these environments. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Conduct hyperthermal beam exposures of materials to simulate space environmental effects on materials in low Earth orbit: Prepare and mount samples. Expose samples to required fluence of reactive atoms. Analyze samples with various surface analysis techniques: profilometry, SEM, AFM, XPS. Prepare reports. Conduct molecular beam-surface scattering experiments with a universal crossed molecular beams apparatus: Reactive and inelastic scattering of O, N, O2, N2, or Ar, on materials of relevance to satellites in low Earth orbit or heat shields for atmospheric entry. Analyze data, including the derivation of product translational energy distributions and angular distributions of scattered product flux. Prepare reports as well as manuscripts for publication. Daily tasks, including but not limited to: Assembly of vacuum hardware. Maintenance of vacuum hardware. Maintenance of electronics components, lasers, optical systems, and mass spectrometers. Operation of lasers, especially CO2 TEA lasers. Conducting exposures of materials to a beam of hyperthermal oxygen atoms. Organizing laboratory. Cataloging laboratory equipment. Ordering supplies. Analyzing data using commercial and custom computer programs. Providing support in the preparation of publications and presentations. Interacting with MBEAM Laboratory students, post-docs, and staff, as well as external collaborators, external sponsors, and facilities personnel. Assisting in the training of members of the MBEAM Laboratory. What You Should Know This appointment is unable to sponsor H-1B or J-1 visas. U.S. citizenship is required. What We Can Offer The starting salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 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 Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or engineering. What You Will Need Aptitude for operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory hardware. Ability and motivation to learn unfamiliar science and engineering topics. Ability to be meticulous, careful, and thoughtful in carrying out tasks. Competence with computer-aided design. Possess modest to strong computer programming ability. Interest in the application of fundamental reaction dynamics to aerospace applications. Sufficient desire and work ethic to accomplish goals. Good writing and presentation skills. Good organizational skills - of both physical objects and thoughts. Ability to work well with others. Sufficient maturity to work independently, represent the lab to others, and mentor less-experienced co-workers. What We Would Like You to Have Experience with molecular beam experiments. Experience with high and/or ultrahigh vacuum systems. Experience with mass spectrometry. Experience with lasers and laser spectroscopy. Knowledge of molecular reaction dynamics. Knowledge of materials used for spacecraft, especially polymers. Knowledge of compressible fluid dynamics. Preference will be given to candidates who are willing to commit to employment at the Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, after an atomic oxygen materials exposure facility has been constructed in the MBEAM Laboratory. Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files: Cover Letter 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. Two letters of recommendation will be required from the finalist. During the application process, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses for two references who are willing to provide letters on your behalf. We will request these letters from your references later in the search process. For full consideration, please apply by September 3, 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.