Visiting Researcher – Rugenstein Research Group

Job Description Position Summary

The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University is a large academic and research department in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. We currently have twenty-three faculty members, ninety graduate students, over seventy full-time researchers and postdoctoral fellows, and an outstanding and dedicated support staff, that comprise one of the most research-active units at the university. The department conducts more than $14M in externally sponsored research each year and is nationally ranked near the top of its field.

The Rugenstein Research Group focusses on large-scale climate dynamics and ocean-atmosphere interaction. We study the Earth’s energy balance, how radiative feedbacks depend on surface warming patterns, ocean heat uptake, US hydroclimate, and hemispheric albedo symmetry.

Full Consideration Date:
February 18, 2026

• Identify and compile pale-records from the eastern and western equatorial Pacific that are sensitive to sea surface temperature and Walker circulation changes, and apply transfer functions to estimate the Pacific equatorial SST gradient.
• Compare the reconstructed gradient and its timescale dependence with simulations from climate and Earth system models over the past millennium and Late Holocene.
• Analyze changes in internal variability feedbacks in an Earth system model experiment in which SSTs are nudged based on information from paleo-data, providing a simulation where the amplitude of climate variability increases with timescale as suggested by proxy data.

Background Check (required for all new hires)

This position does not have any supervision responsibilities.

• PhD in Atmospheric Science
• Fellowship awarded by Alexander-von-Humboldt association

$34.00 / hour

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

No Documents Required

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. ()
• Lastly,  for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification.

Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

Prospective Employees,  to learn more about CSU’s perks and purpose. ()

Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.