Machine Learning and Environment Postdoctoral Fellowship31 Views

The Machine Learning and Environment Postdoctoral Fellow position at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is a premier research opportunity tailored for early-career scientists and recent PhD graduates seeking to blend artificial intelligence (AI) techniques with environmental data science. As the world increasingly relies on data-driven insights to address climate and ecological challenges, this role offers a vital platform for meaningful research contributions in the 2025–2026 academic cycle. Open to domestic and international candidates, this program empowers scholars to pursue high-impact, interdisciplinary work at one of America’s top-tier research institutions.

According to the official CU Boulder job listing, the fellowship is hosted jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Environmental Data Science Innovation & Impact Lab (ESIIL) under CIRES.

About the Program

Position Overview

CU Boulder invites applications for a postdoctoral position aimed at leveraging advanced ML/AI methods to tackle real-world environmental data challenges. Administered jointly by the Computer Science Department and ESIIL, the program encourages collaboration across computational, ecological, and Earth system domains. It supports research committed to open science, equity, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Background: A doctoral degree (PhD) in Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental Data Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Information Science, Economics, or closely related fields.

• Research Experience: Proven scholarly contributions in ML/AI domains, ideally demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications in leading venues.

• Technical Proficiency: Strong command of Python and major ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow. Prior experience with open-source repositories is highly valued.

• Personal Attributes: Independent thinker with strong collaborative, leadership, and project management skills. Capacity to work across disciplinary teams is essential.

• Language Requirements: Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

• Nationality: Open to applicants of all nationalities. No citizenship or residency restrictions are specified.

Application Process

Interested applicants must complete the following steps to apply:

1. Visit the official CU Boulder recruitment portal.

2. Create a new user account or log in to an existing one.

3. Fill in personal and academic details as prompted.

4. Upload all necessary documents, including CV and statement of purpose.

5. Submit the completed application before July 15, 2025, for full consideration.

Note: Applications may be accepted on a rolling basis if the position remains open beyond the initial deadline.

Required Documents

Applicants should ensure that they compile the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed account of education, research, skills, publications, and prior employment.

• Statement of Purpose: Outline your research goals, alignment with the program, and motivation.

• Letters of Recommendation: Typically, 2–3 letters from academic mentors, supervisors, or collaborators.

• Academic Transcripts: Scanned copies of degree certificates and grade reports.

• Language Proficiency Proof: For non-native English speakers, TOEFL or IELTS scores are encouraged.

• Identification: Passport or official ID to validate nationality and work eligibility.

• Sample Work: Publications or links to public code repositories (e.g., GitHub) that reflect your research capabilities.

Eligible Fields / Disciplines

This position is open to applicants from multiple technical and scientific domains, including:

• Computer Science & Software Engineering

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Data Science & Statistics

• Earth and Environmental Sciences

• Economics and Applied Mathematics

• Environmental Data Science

Interdisciplinary candidates who integrate machine learning with ecological modeling, climate forecasting, or sustainability analytics are especially encouraged to apply.

Financial Support & Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Annual Salary: A competitive postdoctoral salary between $75,000 and $80,000.

• Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive medical and dental plans.

• Transit Pass: Complimentary access to regional transportation via EcoPass.

• Tuition Assistance: Access to tuition benefits through CU Boulder’s employee program.

• Research Infrastructure: Full access to ESIIL’s high-performance computing, datasets, and collaborative platforms.

• Professional Development: Training programs, seminars, and mentorship by renowned faculty such as Professors Esther Rolf and Claire Monteleoni.

Selection Process

The selection process comprises the following stages:

1. Application Screening: All submissions are evaluated by the recruitment team and faculty mentors.

2. Shortlisting: Based on academic excellence, research alignment, and potential impact.

3. Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are invited for virtual interviews with faculty and ESIIL collaborators.

4. Final Decision: Offers are made to candidates demonstrating the strongest potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and research leadership.

Key selection metrics include publication record, project relevance, recommendation strength, and open science engagement.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: Open now

• Priority Deadline: 01-Aug-2025

• Interviews: August to September 2025

• Results Announcement: Late Summer 2025

• Fellowship Start Date: Fall 2025 or negotiable into early 2026

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Customize Your Statement: Explain how your work aligns with ESIIL’s mission and cite specific use cases (e.g., land-use prediction, biodiversity modeling).

• Highlight Interdisciplinary Strengths: Showcase any prior collaborations between computer science and environmental sciences.

• Avoid Generic Submissions: Tailor each document to this particular role; use clear, concise language.

• Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can discuss your technical depth and collaborative experience.

• Demonstrate Open Science Values: Provide GitHub links, published datasets, or collaborative projects that reflect transparency.

Contact Details

• Primary Contact: Department of Computer Science, CU Boulder

• Mentorship Team: Professors Esther Rolf, Claire Monteleoni, and environmental science collaborators from ESIIL/CIRES

• Helpdesk: Application support available through CU Boulder’s job portal

Conclusion

The CU Boulder Machine Learning and Environment Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in pioneering research at the intersection of AI and environmental science. With strong institutional backing, world-class mentorship, and a collaborative research ecosystem, it serves as a gateway for impactful academic and societal contributions. Whether you’re a recent PhD graduate or an early-career researcher ready for interdisciplinary exploration, this role can be a significant next step.

Start preparing your documents now and apply before the July 15 deadline to maximize your chances.

About the Program

References

1. University of Colorado Boulder Official Job Portal: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Machine-Learning-and-Environment-Postdoctoral-Fellow/59901

2. Environmental Data Science Innovation & Impact Lab (ESIIL): https://esiil.org/careers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)