Mines

Post-Doctoral Fellow, NOAA

Colorado Full time

Engineering a world of possibilities

Post-Doctoral Fellow is needed to lead research on a high-profile NOAA funded project to improve coastal stream water temperatures (SWT) for the purpose of enhancing coastal coupling, water quality and ice prediction modeling for the NextGen National Water Model framework (NOAA product).

The Post-Doctoral Fellow is expected to develop coastal SWT models for analysis and forecast operations in the NextGen National Water model framework. Responsibilities will include leading independent research related to configuration of existing SWT models to predict and eventually forecast coastal SWT information across the CONUS. This will require strong experience in data acquisition, model benchmarking and skill assessment. Once the models have been configured, project focus will pivot towards informed training, testing and validation of the coastal SWT models.

The chosen Post-Doctoral Fellow should have strong expertise in machine learning, spatial data analysis, remote sensing, and hydrologic and/or stream temperature modeling. Funding is available for up to 1.5 years, with the possibility of extension if additional research funding is secured.  Candidates should have completed their PhD by December 31st, 2025.  The position will be available starting January 5th, 2026.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead independent research activities in collaboration with Co-PI Dr. Corona and PI Dr. Hogue.
  • Lead model configuration, training, testing, and validation of existing stream temperature models and skill assessment in collaboration with Co-PI Dr. Corona
  • Participate in bimonthly 1-hour research group meetings
  • Submit minimum of 2 research papers each year
  • Revise and resubmit other papers as needed
  • Present findings at regional and national conferences

Additional responsibilities

  • Assist in coordinating with the National Water Center and relevant stakeholders to ensure objectives and inputs align.
  • Conduct preliminary reviews of student research products: abstracts, posters, proposals, defense presentations, thesis, technical papers as appropriate.
  • Submit minimum of 2 proposals each year
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • PhD in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, watershed/earth science, data science or related field (on hand)
  • Expertise in machine learning, spatial data analysis, GIS and remote sensing
  • Experience with hydrologic modeling (particularly related to stream/river temperature)
  • Experience with using python and R coding languages.
  • Experience working with the National Water Model

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • PhD in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, watershed/earth science, data science, or related field by December 31st, 2025.
  • Expertise in machine learning, spatial data analysis, GIS and remote sensing
  • Experience with hydrologic modeling (particularly related to stream/river temperature)
  • Experience with using python and R coding languages to configure modeling frameworks.
  • Experience working with the National Water Model

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Programming, machine learning and statistical analysis
  • Hydrologic modeling (focus on stream/river temperature)
  • GIS, Google Earth Engine (GEE), or other spatial data platforms
  • Remote sensing and satellite applications
  • Expertise in python or R coding languages
  • Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students

About Mines & Golden, CO 

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. 

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). 

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.  

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. 

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?  

Look to Mines. 

Equal Opportunity 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. 

Annual Rate 

$65,000 - $75,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. 

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes: 

  • Flexible health and dental care options 
  • Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus. 
  • Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution 
  • Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) 
  • Free RTD Ecopass 

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits

How to Apply 

This posting will close on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.


Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity. 

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. 

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting