Assistant Professor in Boundary-Layer and Coupled Earth System Processes with Physics-Informed Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Job Summary

​The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)
at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a
full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in
Boundary-Layer and Coupled Earth System Processes with
Physics-Informed Artificial Intelligence (AI).

T​his position addresses critical research and instructional
frontiers at the intersection of boundary-layer meteorology,
coupled Earth-System processes, and scientifically grounded machine
learning. The atmospheric boundary layer governs crucial multiscale
exchanges between the atmosphere, land, ocean, ice, ecosystems, and
human systems, directly influencing extreme weather, air quality,
wildfire behavior, water resources, and renewable energy. Such
processes also represent a primary source of uncertainty in Earth
system prediction models and constitute a defining challenge for
computational methods.

T​he successful candidate will develop an internationally
recognized, externally funded research program focused on advancing
both explainable AI methodology and Earth system science through
physics-informed, physics-constrained, or hybrid process–AI
modeling. Candidates will be expected to teach and mentor students
at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, contribute to core
ATOC curricula and develop courses in boundary-layer physics,
environmental data science, and physics-informed machine learning
for weather and climate.

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

A​TOC is a world leader in investigations of climate science and
weather phenomena, from the depths of the ocean to the outer
reaches of the atmosphere. Our highly recognized research and
education programs include theory, modeling, and measurements from
the ground, balloons, aircraft, and satellites. ATOC faculty and
graduate students address fundamental questions of societal
relevance in the areas of climate processes and weather dynamics,
aerosol and cloud physics, atmospheric chemistry and transport,
radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, and oceanography. ATOC
undergraduates delve into a breadth of applied science topics,
acquiring the quantitative skills necessary for today's high-tech
careers.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

​​Intellectual Vision & Research: Establish a vibrant
research group that leads developments of physics-informed AI,
hybrid modeling frameworks, or data-driven methods that bridge
physical laws with scientific discovery. Areas of interest include,
but are not limited to:

• A​I-enabled parameterizations of turbulence, surface exchange,

and unresolved boundary-layer physics.

• ​Process discovery and data fusion integrating heterogeneous

in-situ observations, remote sensing, and high-resolution numerical
simulations.

• Hybrid and reduced-order modeling of coupled

atmosphere–surface, ocean, sea ice, and terrestrial
interactions.

• Explainable, generative, and physically consistent machine

learning methods for investigating weather regimes, climate
extremes, and ensemble prediction.

T​eaching & Mentorship: Teach undergraduate and graduate
courses in atmospheric and computational Earth system sciences,
supervise graduate student research, and provide hands-on research
opportunities for undergraduates that emphasizes physical
reasoning, responsible AI, and scientific computing.

S​ervice & Collaborative Leadership: Engage with
campus-wide computational initiatives and leverage Boulder’s
premier scientific ecosystem—including high-performance computing
resources (Alpine and Blanca clusters), regional observational
infrastructure (Marshall Field Site), and partnerships with local
federal laboratories (NOAA, NSF NCAR, NREL).

What You Should Know

This is a full-time, tenure track position.

What We Can Offer

• The annual salary range for this full-time position is

​$110,000 - $118,000.

• A startup package, moving allowance, and recruitment incentive

may be available to the successful candidate per department
guidelines. ​

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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of
Forbes' America's Best
Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado
and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and
programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• ​​Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Oceanography, Earth System

Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a
related discipline at the time of appointment.

• D​emonstrated potential to establish an impactful, externally

funded research program at the nexus of boundary-layer processes
and physics-informed AI.

• A​ strong commitment to effective teaching, student mentorship,

and developing inclusive learning environments in computational and
Earth system sciences.​

What You Will Need

• De​​ep domain knowledge in boundary-layer physics, atmospheric

dynamics, meteorology, and/or coupled Earth system processes (e.g.,
atmosphere–ocean, land–atmosphere, or cryosphere
interactions).

• E​xpertise in machine learning and computational methods, such

as physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), hybrid modeling, model
emulation, generative modeling, and/or scientific data
assimilation.

• ​Ability to formulate independent, innovative research

proposals and secure external funding from agencies such as NSF,
NOAA, DOE, NASA, DOD, and/or private ventures.

• ​Commitment to pedagogical excellence, inclusive teaching, and

mentoring undergraduate and graduate students from diverse
disciplinary backgrounds.

• S​trong written and oral communication skills that foster

interdisciplinary collaboration across atmospheric science, applied
mathematics, computer science, and engineering.​

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Resume/CV.
• Cover Letter.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy.
• Statement of Research Philosophy.

During the application process you will need to enter contact
information for three references who can write a letter of
recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and
additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by
December 1st, 2026. Re​view of applications will begin on
this date and continue until the position is filled. Applications
will no longer be accepted after June 1st, 2027.

Informal inquiries can be made to the search committee chair,
Aneesh Subramanian, at aneeshcs@colorado.edu.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply 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.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu