Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science
Assistant/Associate Professor
Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science, Fort Collins, Colorado, us, 80523
The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University invites applications for two tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant to Associate professor level:
Climate dynamics. We seek an innovative and collaborative scholar with a strong and growing record of research, teaching, and service in climate dynamics and its intersection with the broader Earth system. The successful candidate will have a clear and innovative vision that demonstrates their potential to be a leader in the pursuit of a deeper understanding of the physical processes that govern Earth’s climate through, for example, creative observational analyses, numerical experimentation, and application of novel machine learning and other statistical techniques. The individual will contribute to our mission of advancing fundamental knowledge of Earth’s climate system and its behavior across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
Application of artificial intelligence to atmospheric science. We seek an exceptional individual working at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Earth system science. The successful candidate's research will push boundaries of AI in creative and innovative ways to advance understanding and prediction of the Earth system. Example research foci include but are not limited to: integrating AI with traditional physics- or chemistry-based models; leveraging machine learning for understanding high-impact extreme events and weather, cloud and chemical processes; applying AI tools to improve our understanding of climate variability and predictability; and the design of AI tools to improve terrestrial- and satellite-based remote sensing applications. This position is part of a Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at Colorado State University cluster hire for new faculty members who integrate AI as a foundational component of their research and who aspire to develop novel and innovative AI educational programs.
Faculty members in the Department of Atmospheric Science engage in teaching, research, and service to the University and broader community. The new faculty members will be expected to build and maintain a strong and vibrant research program supported through external funding that complements and expands upon the department’s current research areas. Successful candidates will contribute to teaching and intellectual leadership at the university. In the Department of Atmospheric Science, this includes teaching courses at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels, supporting undergraduate course offerings, advising and mentoring graduate students, and developing advanced courses in their areas of expertise.
Applications will be considered until the positions are filled; however, applications should be received by December 1, 2025, to ensure full consideration. Applicant materials of semifinalist candidates, including letters of recommendation, will be made available for review by the faculty of the Department of Atmospheric Science. Applicants should submit the following materials at this link: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/167815:
A cover letter indicating interest in the position that may include any context about the applicant’s background that they would like to highlight beyond the statements below. A curriculum vitae. Two statements (no more than 4 pages total across the 2 statements): A research statement that includes the candidate’s vision for their research for the next 5 years, impact on the broader community and society through research and service, and the potential for research collaborations. A statement of teaching and education interests, and/or philosophy that includes plans to effectively develop and deliver educational materials, attract, and mentor students, and engage the broader community. This statement should also describe the existing department courses that the candidate would be enthusiastic to teach and potential new course(s) that they would want to develop.
The names of four references (who will not be contacted without prior approval of the candidate).
Please address inquiries about the position to:
Professor Jim Hurrell, Search Chair
Department of Atmospheric Science
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
80523-1371
jhurrell@rams.colostate.edu
Required Job Qualifications
PhD degree in atmospheric science or closely related field by the start date of the appointment. Evidence of scholarly achievement commensurate with experience in the areas of climate dynamics and its intersection with the broader Earth system, or AI applied to atmospheric science, as described in the position summaries. Demonstrated experience writing and publishing scientific results. Strong oral and written communication skills. Preferred Job Qualifications
A clearly articulated vision and plan for developing an independent research program, including a demonstrated ability to lead and deliver on sponsored research proposals. A clearly articulated vision and plan to effectively engage in educational activities, including teaching experience and a demonstrated ability to attract and mentor students at the graduate level. A record of community engagement and service, commensurate with experience. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
Founded in 1962 by renowned tropical meteorologist Herbert Riehl, the top-rated Department of Atmospheric Science is committed to providing quality graduate education for tomorrow’s leaders, to conducting cutting edge research in the atmospheric sciences and related fields, and to providing service to Colorado, the nation, and the world. We aspire to be a leader in scientific understanding of the coupled Earth-Atmosphere system by engaging students in cutting-edge science that informs solutions to pressing societal issues at the intersection of climate, weather, and air quality. This includes collaborating closely with other Colorado State University groups sharing our environmental research mission and with national and international groups at the intersection of weather, climate, and air quality issues. Our department has about 200 people including graduate students, full‑time researchers, an outstanding and dedicated support staff, and 20 faculty members. ABOUT THE WALTER SCOTT, JR. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
The Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering (WSCOE) is a medium‑sized engineering college of approximately 170 faculty, 300 postdoctoral scholars and research scientists, 95 academic and administrative staff, 2,500 undergraduate students, and 1,050 graduate students. Four of its academic departments serve both graduate and undergraduate students, and two have graduate‑only programs. The College also houses two interdisciplinary degree‑granting programs and a federal cooperative research institute. WSCOE is ranked 6th nationally in research funding per faculty among public universities without medical schools in the annual amount of about $600,000 per FTE and has received major research awards representing the CSU thematic focus areas: Sustainability and the Environment; Agriculture and Food Systems; Health and Well‑being; Energy and Water; Innovation and Technology; Climate Science; Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; Global Engagement and International Development. WSCOE’s researchers are engaged in inter‑ and transdisciplinary research, with collaborations that involve every other college at CSU and universities and companies around the world. The College’s annual research expenditures are around $100M, with per faculty research expenditures that exceed those of most peer institutions and that represent a large fraction (approximately 20%) of CSU’s total funded research activity. This output, and WSCOE’s focus on addressing societal needs, is also reflected in the large number of invention disclosures, patents, and licenses generated by college researchers. Today, WSCOE prides itself on “hands‑on,” experiential approaches to a rigorous undergraduate engineering education. Curricula include extensive laboratory and team‑based coursework, and students have access to research opportunities throughout their programs. WSCOE anticipates significant changes in our educational offerings over the next five to ten years. WSCOE now has a common first‑year experience with common courses set that began in Fall 2025. WSCOE has devoted considerable attention to positive experiences for undergraduate students, including engagement in research and support for students whose academic backgrounds have not fully prepared them for engineering. The Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building emphasizing technologies such as AI will begin construction within the next 2 years. WSCOE is in the process of hiring a cluster of 12 faculty having an emphasis on AI and digitalization and recently purchased an Nvidia high performance computing system to support AI‑oriented work. ABOUT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service, and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Colorado State University’s roots go back to 1870, when the institution was founded as the Agricultural College of Colorado. The school first opened its doors to students in 1879 with President Elijah Edwards and two faculty members. From these origins, a world‑class institution grew. Today, Colorado State University has approximately 34,000 students, and enjoys R1 Carnegie classification with annual research expenditure topping $500 million. The University has nearly 1,900 faculty in 62 academic departments, schools, and special academic units across eight colleges: Agricultural Sciences; Business; WSCOE; Health and Human Sciences; Liberal Arts; Warner College of Natural Resources; Natural Sciences; and Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. CSU is an institution that emphasizes access, inclusion, and opportunity to ensure an exciting and enriching experience for all students. Its heritage as a land grant university means CSU students think about a world far bigger than themselves and are not afraid to face the challenges that lie ahead when pursuing their passions. With more than 170,000 living alumni, graduates of CSU are state governors, heads of corporations, Olympic gold medalists, teachers, researchers, artists, and many other leaders in society. ABOUT FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 175,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000‑foot peaks and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities. Fort Collins is routinely recognized nationally as one of the most desirable places to live in the USA. Fort Collins residents enjoy an excellent school system and expansive parks, natural areas, and sprawling trail systems. More information about Fort Collins and CSU can be obtained at http://www.visitftcollins.com and http://visit.colostate.edu. Condition for Employment
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history. Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Per the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, salary ranges are posted for each individual position. In addition to a competitive salary, Colorado State University provides gender‑neutral paid parental leave; housing assistance programs; dual career and relocation assistance; support for teaching, research, and professional development.
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PhD degree in atmospheric science or closely related field by the start date of the appointment. Evidence of scholarly achievement commensurate with experience in the areas of climate dynamics and its intersection with the broader Earth system, or AI applied to atmospheric science, as described in the position summaries. Demonstrated experience writing and publishing scientific results. Strong oral and written communication skills. Preferred Job Qualifications
A clearly articulated vision and plan for developing an independent research program, including a demonstrated ability to lead and deliver on sponsored research proposals. A clearly articulated vision and plan to effectively engage in educational activities, including teaching experience and a demonstrated ability to attract and mentor students at the graduate level. A record of community engagement and service, commensurate with experience. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
Founded in 1962 by renowned tropical meteorologist Herbert Riehl, the top-rated Department of Atmospheric Science is committed to providing quality graduate education for tomorrow’s leaders, to conducting cutting edge research in the atmospheric sciences and related fields, and to providing service to Colorado, the nation, and the world. We aspire to be a leader in scientific understanding of the coupled Earth-Atmosphere system by engaging students in cutting-edge science that informs solutions to pressing societal issues at the intersection of climate, weather, and air quality. This includes collaborating closely with other Colorado State University groups sharing our environmental research mission and with national and international groups at the intersection of weather, climate, and air quality issues. Our department has about 200 people including graduate students, full‑time researchers, an outstanding and dedicated support staff, and 20 faculty members. ABOUT THE WALTER SCOTT, JR. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
The Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering (WSCOE) is a medium‑sized engineering college of approximately 170 faculty, 300 postdoctoral scholars and research scientists, 95 academic and administrative staff, 2,500 undergraduate students, and 1,050 graduate students. Four of its academic departments serve both graduate and undergraduate students, and two have graduate‑only programs. The College also houses two interdisciplinary degree‑granting programs and a federal cooperative research institute. WSCOE is ranked 6th nationally in research funding per faculty among public universities without medical schools in the annual amount of about $600,000 per FTE and has received major research awards representing the CSU thematic focus areas: Sustainability and the Environment; Agriculture and Food Systems; Health and Well‑being; Energy and Water; Innovation and Technology; Climate Science; Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; Global Engagement and International Development. WSCOE’s researchers are engaged in inter‑ and transdisciplinary research, with collaborations that involve every other college at CSU and universities and companies around the world. The College’s annual research expenditures are around $100M, with per faculty research expenditures that exceed those of most peer institutions and that represent a large fraction (approximately 20%) of CSU’s total funded research activity. This output, and WSCOE’s focus on addressing societal needs, is also reflected in the large number of invention disclosures, patents, and licenses generated by college researchers. Today, WSCOE prides itself on “hands‑on,” experiential approaches to a rigorous undergraduate engineering education. Curricula include extensive laboratory and team‑based coursework, and students have access to research opportunities throughout their programs. WSCOE anticipates significant changes in our educational offerings over the next five to ten years. WSCOE now has a common first‑year experience with common courses set that began in Fall 2025. WSCOE has devoted considerable attention to positive experiences for undergraduate students, including engagement in research and support for students whose academic backgrounds have not fully prepared them for engineering. The Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building emphasizing technologies such as AI will begin construction within the next 2 years. WSCOE is in the process of hiring a cluster of 12 faculty having an emphasis on AI and digitalization and recently purchased an Nvidia high performance computing system to support AI‑oriented work. ABOUT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service, and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Colorado State University’s roots go back to 1870, when the institution was founded as the Agricultural College of Colorado. The school first opened its doors to students in 1879 with President Elijah Edwards and two faculty members. From these origins, a world‑class institution grew. Today, Colorado State University has approximately 34,000 students, and enjoys R1 Carnegie classification with annual research expenditure topping $500 million. The University has nearly 1,900 faculty in 62 academic departments, schools, and special academic units across eight colleges: Agricultural Sciences; Business; WSCOE; Health and Human Sciences; Liberal Arts; Warner College of Natural Resources; Natural Sciences; and Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. CSU is an institution that emphasizes access, inclusion, and opportunity to ensure an exciting and enriching experience for all students. Its heritage as a land grant university means CSU students think about a world far bigger than themselves and are not afraid to face the challenges that lie ahead when pursuing their passions. With more than 170,000 living alumni, graduates of CSU are state governors, heads of corporations, Olympic gold medalists, teachers, researchers, artists, and many other leaders in society. ABOUT FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 175,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000‑foot peaks and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities. Fort Collins is routinely recognized nationally as one of the most desirable places to live in the USA. Fort Collins residents enjoy an excellent school system and expansive parks, natural areas, and sprawling trail systems. More information about Fort Collins and CSU can be obtained at http://www.visitftcollins.com and http://visit.colostate.edu. Condition for Employment
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history. Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Per the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, salary ranges are posted for each individual position. In addition to a competitive salary, Colorado State University provides gender‑neutral paid parental leave; housing assistance programs; dual career and relocation assistance; support for teaching, research, and professional development.
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