The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) sponsors a prestigious Visiting Fellows program, inviting scientists to join the thriving community of researchers in Boulder, Colorado. CIRES Visiting Fellowships are intended to stimulate interdisciplinary research across the institute through engagement with CIRES researchers on campus and in Boulder’s NOAA Laboratories. Sponsored by CIRES Fellows, Visiting Fellows work with CIRES researchers on a wide range of environmental science topics. The CIRES Visiting Fellows Program has attracted more than 350 scientists from around the world over the past 50 years; many have gone on to lasting careers in CIRES and NOAA. We encourage applications from members of groups under-represented in the environmental sciences and related disciplines. This program is funded primarily through the CIRES Cooperative Agreement with NOAA.

Two-year Visiting Fellowships are available for postdoctoral researchers, and terms of up to 12 months for senior scientists on leave or sabbatical.

Applicants should contact possible Visiting Fellow Sponsors well in advance of submitting an application. Successful proposals are typically designed in collaboration with your potential host at CIRES. Without the support of a current CIRES Fellow or CIRES Senior Research Scientist, your application is unlikely to succeed. 

The application opens on October 21, 2024, and the deadline is January 2, 2025. Submit your application online. 

Virtual Visiting Fellow Info Session on November 4, 2024, at 10 am MT
Please join this live event, led by Christine Wiedinmyer, Associate Director for Science, and ask any questions you may have. This informational webinar about the CIRES Visiting Fellow Program answers: What is the program? How do I apply? What do I need to include in my application? How do I identify a sponsor? And more!

Register for this webinar here. 

• A recording of the November 1, 2023 webinar can be found here. 

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Postdoctoral Application Information

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships are available in two-year terms. The annual salary is $70,000 the first year with a second-year increase in line with campus merit and/or other base-building compensation increases, depending on start date. A research budget of up to $8,000 is included in the award, along with a modest relocation stipend for the individual (no family costs can be covered). A laptop will be provided, which is separate from the $8,000 research budget.

Eligibility

• The applicant should be no more than 4 years out from completion of PhD at the time of application (exceptions may be made for time off due to caretaking responsibilities or other exceptional circumstances. Please contact Christine.Wiedinmyer@colorado.edu).
• Past or current CU Boulder graduate students and postdocs are not eligible.
• Current or former CIRES Visiting Fellows are not eligible.
• An applicant must have a Ph.D. granted in an area related to CIRES work; this includes completing the defense and all thesis revisions approved before the start of the CIRES appointment. Proof of degree will be required before the official start date.

Application requirements

Candidates are required to submit the following materials:

• CV (2 Page NSF Template)
• Transcripts
• Cover Letter (1-2 pages)
  • Expected start date, the name(s) of the sponsoring CIRES Fellow(s) and other CIRES, NOAA, and University of Colorado researchers with whom you intend to work, and a description of the nature of the collaboration with each scientist.
  • Justification of how you would be a strong addition to the CIRES scientific community. Be sure to align your answers to the CIRES Strategic Plan.
  • Short description of an experience or event that was pivotal in your growth as a researcher, in terms of what was learned and how it informs your approach to your research. Higher priority will be given to those who can clearly explain how this position will forward their growth as a researcher, both in terms of methodology and skillset.
• Research proposal (3 pages max including figures, 12 pt font. Figure captions can be 10 pt font. References not included in 3 page limit.)
  • Proposals should outline your motivation for the work, its novelty and potential contribution to the field, the research question, the methods to be pursued, and the expected outcomes. Higher priority will be given to those who indicate an appropriate timeline for achieving these outcomes.
  • Proposals should also include the scientific rationale for doing the work in CIRES, such as linkages with the research of the CIRES Fellow/Senior Research Scientist supporting your proposal.
  • Please remember that the proposals will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary scientific team and should therefore be written for a broad scientific audience. Feel free to contact Christine if you would like clarification on this request.
• Names and contact information of 3 people to provide letters of recommendation 
  • Letters of recommendation should include specific examples to illustrate the candidate’s ability to complete tasks on a reasonable timeline, independent thinking skills, creative problem solving skills, passion for the field of study, examples of perseverance when met with a challenge and the ability to work collaboratively on a team. 
  • CIRES sponsors cannot write recommendation letters.
  • Applicants are responsible for following up with their recommendation letter writers to ensure that they get their letters submitted by the deadline. 

Applicants should contact possible CIRES VFP Sponsors well in advance of submitting an application. Successful proposals are typically designed in collaboration with your potential host at CIRES. Without the support of a current CIRES Fellow/Senior Research Scientist, your application is unlikely to succeed. 

Please start your online application early so that your reference letter writers can be notified with ample time. The application submission website will allow you to save and return to finish your application.

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (MST), January 2, 2025; letters of recommendation will be accepted through January 8, 2025. 

NOTE: Google Chrome is the preferred browser for this application. 

Application Review and Selection

Applications are evaluated by a committee of CIRES Fellows, based on the following criteria of the application requirements as well as:

• Quality of a candidate's previous research
• Potential contribution to environmental science (this may include record of publication, awards, fellowships, etc.)
• Potential for the development of novel partnerships that could benefit scientific understanding, CIRES, or NOAA.
• Indicated support from the proposed CIRES Fellow or Research Scientist sponsor(s)

More

• Tangible materials, such as computers, purchased under the grant must remain at CIRES after the end of the award.
• Fellowships must begin within 10 months of acceptance of the offer; no deferrals.
• Visiting Fellows must present their work in person at the CIRES Rendezvous science symposium in May, or must arrange a seminar for the broader CIRES audience prior to completing the fellowship.

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Sabbatical Applicant Information

Sabbatical Fellowships for senior scientists are available for between 3 and 12 months. Modest requests to reimburse lodging expenses up to $2,500/month and a budget for research-related travel, materials and supplies up to $8,000 may be included in the award. A laptop will be provided, which is separate from the $8,000 research budget. Sabbatical Fellows can use their approved research travel budget to reimburse relocation expenses.

Eligibility

• Applicant must have an appointment at an academic or research institution.
• Individuals who have been University of Colorado Boulder graduate students, postdocs, researchers, or faculty within 10 years of the application due date are not eligible.
• Applicants are expected to be mid to senior career.
• Priority will be given to candidates affiliated with institutions outside the greater Boulder scientific community.
• Applicants must be in residence at CIRES (or be conducting related field research) for a minimum of 3 months. Vacation time and conference attendance do not count toward the 3-month minimum. 

Application requirements

Candidates are required to submit the following materials:

• CV (2 Page NSF Template)
• Identification of at least one (and up to 3) CIRES Fellow/Senior Research Scientist sponsor(s).
• Cover Letter (max 2 pages, 12 pt font)
  • The cover letter should include the following information:
    • Expected start date, the name(s) of the sponsoring CIRES Fellow(s) and other CIRES, NOAA, and University of Colorado researchers with whom you intend to work, and a description of the nature of the collaboration with each scientist.
    • Justification of how you would be a strong addition to the CIRES scientific community. Be sure to align your answers to the CIRES Strategic Plan.
    • Short description about how this sabbatical visit will create or enhance lasting relationships and collaborations between yourself and CIRES Faculty, Scientists and Students. If relevant, please comment on any potential research activities and funding opportunities that may result from the sabbatical visit. Also if relevant, please comment on your potential collaborations and mentorship of students during your visit.

• Research proposal (3 pages max including figures, 12 pt font. Figure captions can be 10 pt font. References not included in 3 page limit.)

  • Proposals should outline your motivation for the work, its novelty and potential contribution to the field, the research question, the methods to be pursued, and the expected outcomes. Higher priority will be given to those who indicate an appropriate timeline for achieving these outcomes.
  • Proposals should also include the scientific rationale for doing the work in CIRES, such as linkages with the research of the CIRES Fellow/Senior Research Scientist supporting your proposal.
  • Please remember that the proposals will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary scientific team and should therefore be written for a broad scientific audience. Feel free to contact Christine if you would like clarification on this request.

Applicants should contact possible CIRES VFP Sponsors well in advance of submitting an application. Successful proposals are typically designed in collaboration with your potential host at CIRES. Without the support of a current CIRES Fellow/Senior Research Scientist, your application is unlikely to succeed. 

Please submit your application online. Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (MST), January 2, 2025.

NOTE: Google Chrome is the preferred browser for this application. 

Application review and selection

Applications are evaluated by a committee of CIRES Fellows, based on the following criteria of the application requirements as well as:

• Quality of a candidate's previous research
• Potential contribution to environmental science (this may include record of publication, awards, fellowships, etc.). 
• Potential for the development of novel partnerships that could benefit scientific understanding, CIRES, or NOAA.
• Indicated support from the proposed CIRES Fellow or Research Scientist sponsor(s).

More

• Tangible materials, such as computers, purchased under the grant must remain at CIRES after the end of the award.
• Fellowships must begin within 10 months of acceptance of the offer; no deferrals.
• Visiting Fellows must present their work in person at the CIRES Rendezvous science symposium in May, or must arrange a seminar for the broader CIRES audience prior to completing the fellowship.