Job Details

Scholar in Residence

Position Number: 6904453
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Scholar in Residence

Requisition Number: 69652
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date:
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Scholar in Residence position at the University of Colorado, Boulder in Solar, Stellar, and Space Physics
The Department of Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU) is conducting a search for a three-year fixed-term Scholar in Residence position. We seek applications from candidates in all areas of solar, stellar, and space physics, including instrumentation, observations, theory and modeling. We have particular interest in candidates whose research will benefit from or contribute to the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST). The DKIST is a four-meter solar telescope that achieves unprecedented high-resolution observations of solar photospheric, chromospheric and coronal magnetic fields. It was constructed and is operated by the National Solar Observatory (NSO), which is headquartered on the CU campus. Collaborations with NSO scientists is a key element of the position.
The successful candidate will be expected to create an independent, innovative, and competitive research program and teach at undergraduate and graduate levels. We encourage applications from candidates at all career levels, with the appointment level to be commensurate with experience. The position has an academic year salary range of $95,000 - $100,000 depending on the level of appointment, plus associated benefits. The appointment aims to bring critical expertise into the university environment through NSO/CU research collaborations, student mentoring, and classroom teaching. The successful candidate will lead the Hale Collaborative Graduate Education Program (COLLAGE), which uses telepresence technology to bring students and faculty from different campuses together for specialized instruction in heliophysics. 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

College of Arts and Sciences - The College is the intellectual core of the university, conducting research, scholarship, creative work and education in more than 60 fields. Our research generates new knowledge, addressed toward solving some of the world's most critical problems. The college leads nationally in undergraduate and graduate education, bringing world-class research and scholarship to our students, both in and out of the classroom. The college is the academic home to all five of the university's Nobel laureates. Additionally, it is home to the university's four National Medal of Science winners, nine MacArthur "Genius Award" winners, 100 Fulbright Scholars, 17 Guggenheim Fellows, 14 Packard Fellows, 24 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 25 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. CU Boulder is the only university in the Rocky Mountain region in the American Association of Universities, a group of the nation's leading research institutions.

Department of Physics - The Department includes 54 tenured and tenure-track faculty performing cutting-edge research. Its graduate physics program draws ~1200 applications per year and is ranked by the National Research Council to be among the top 15 overall. The Department appears as high as 12th worldwide in international rankings of university Physics Departments. The department is strongly affiliated with centers and institutes such as JILA, a research institute administered jointly by NIST and the University of Colorado, and the Center for Theory of Quantum Matter, as well as with nearby National Laboratories (NIST and NREL), offering world-class facilities and broad opportunities for research collaboration.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate is expected to establish a vigorous research program, teach at the undergraduate and graduate level, and participate in service to the Department, University, and the field.

What You Should Know

An appointment start date of, August 13, 2026, is anticipated.
This is a three-year fixed-term Scholar in Residence position. This salary range is for a 9-month academic period. Summer month activities are at the applicant's discretion and externally funded projects can be used as a means to cover their summer salary.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $100,000. A startup fund of up to $25,000 is available, up to $8,000 of which can be used to cover moving expenses.

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 ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field at the time of application.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A cover letter,
Curriculum vitae,
Generic File 1: List of publications
A description of research interest (up to 3 pages)

The research plan should discuss how the candidate will engage with the broader Boulder solar and space physics community.

Teaching and mentoring statement (1-2 pages).

The teaching statement should include an assessment of which undergraduate and graduate courses in the Physics department the candidate would be prepared and interested in teaching, ideas for specialized course work suitable to the telepresence environment of the COLLAGE program, and a summary of possible research projects that the candidate is prepared to mentor.

During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for three references. We will request letters of recommendation immediately following your application.
Please note: Informal inquiries can be made to the chair of the search committee, Professor Mark Rast, at mark.rast@colorado.edu.
For full consideration, please apply by March 10th, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled.
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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Scholar-in-Residence/69652