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PostDoctoral Associate

**Requisition Number:** 67841

**Location:** Boulder Colorado

**Employment Type:** Research Faculty

**Schedule:** Full Time

**Posting Close Date:** 21-Oct-2025

Date Posted:

Job Summary

Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences is seeking a PostDoctoral Associate to use large-scale computer systems, and develop large-eddy simulation with advanced actuator line representations to advance high-fidelity models and simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer wind turbines in hilly and flat terrain. Reports to the sponsor will be produced, as will publications to international scientific journals and presentations at scientific meetings.

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

The research program is lead by Professor James Brasseur (Jim) at the University of Colorado Boulder and Dr. Matthew Churchfield (Matt) at the NREL National Wind Technology Center near Boulder. Jim has a long history in the study of turbulent flows using CFD and theory, including specific focus on ABL turbulence using large-eddy simulation as well as on the analysis of the forcing of wind turbine by turbulence within the ABL. Jim was professor for 33 years at The Pennsylvania State University before retiring to join the University of Colorado Boulder in 2015 to continue his research as Research Professor. Matt has a long history in the study of the ABL under a variety of conditions and in the analysis of wind turbine function in response to atmospheric and wake turbulence. Matt joined NREL in 2009 after graduating from Purdue University in aerospace engineering and is well known for his development of the NREL tool SOWFA and for applications of LES of both the daytime and nighttime ABL to a variety of wind-energy applications ranging from wake dynamics to wind plant control strategies.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The postdoctoral scholar will work with Jim Brasseur and Matt Churchfield to develop a high-fidelity-modeling-based research program to quantify and analyze the impacts of hilly surface topography on the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and these impacts on the function of wind turbines operating in hilly environments in contrast with flat terrain. Of specific interest are the impacts of nonsteady forcing on the production of power and on premature drivetrain component failures. The Postdoctoral Associate will develop a high-fidelity modeling framework that integrates large-eddy simulation (LES) of the ABL using the high-fidelity NREL code AMR-Wind, with non-planar surface topography modeled using an immersed boundary method, and with an advanced actuator line model to capture the turbines' nonsteady responses.

What You Should Know

The position is for two years with possible extension for another two years depending on continued funding. Boulder is in the beautiful Front Range of the Rocky Mountains not far from Denver. The postdoctoral scholar's office will be near Jim's office in the beautiful Aerospace Engineering Sciences building on the University of Colorado east campus.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary for this position will be $80,000 per year with an increase in the second year.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/) , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package (https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) 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 (https://advantage.cu.edu/campus/cu-boulder) program.

Be Statements

Be challenged. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

+ Completed PhD in a related field.

+ Highly educated in fluid dynamics and turbulence.

+ Experience with computational fluid dynamics of turbulent flows.

What You Will Need

+ We seek an advanced, science-focused, independent-minded post-PhD researcher in fluid dynamics with a strong background in the application of high-fidelity CFD to the study of turbulent flows. Of specific interest is the researcher's experience in the use of large-scale computer systems and in the application of large-eddy simulation.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. **Current Resume/CV**

2. **Cover Letter**

3. _(Optional)_ **Transcripts/Proof of Degree** : If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

One letter of recommendation will be required from the final candidate. Please email your letter to our Senior HR Coordinator, Melissa Flores, at [email protected]. Letters of recommendation are considered confidential.

Please apply by **October 21, 2025** for full consideration.

_Note:_ Application materials will not be accepted via email.

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/PostDoctoral-Associate/67841 (https://apptrkr.com/6655872)

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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.