[ES_JOBS_NET] Two PhD Positions at CU - Boulder on Remote Sensing and Biogeochemistry of the Cryosphere

[Alia Lauren Khan]

Two PhD positions at CU - Boulder in Remote Sensing and Biogeochemistry of the Cryosphere

Position 1 Responsibilities: The successful candidate will explore darkening of the cryosphere (with a focus on Antarctica and Greenland) using multi- and hyperspectral imaging collected with UASs and spaceborne platforms.  The student will be part of the Remote Sensing and Earth Observation focus area within the Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at CU-Boulder. This position will likely involve fieldwork through the inclusion of UAS-based data collection.

Position 2 Responsibilities: The successful candidate will explore darkening of the cryosphere due to light absorbing particles like snow and ice algae, dust, and black carbon, using cutting-edge laboratory analyses applied to snow and ice samples. It is highly likely and encouraged for remote sensing techniques to be incorporated as well. The student will be part of the Remote Sensing and Earth Observation focus area within the Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department (or Environmental Engineering Program) within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at CU-Boulder. The position will likely include the opportunity for polar fieldwork (with a focus on Antarctica and Greenland) for snow and ice sample collection.

Benefits: The positions will come with full tuition payment, 90% health care coverage, an academic year stipend with a minimum-monthly stipend around $3,224/month, and a relocation scholarship to assist with moving expenses, that is typically around $5,000.  There is potential for fieldwork and data collection in polar and alpine environments on federally funded awards in Antarctica and Greenland. Top applicants will be invited to a student recruitment weekend Feb 13th.

More information about minimum and preferred qualifications for each position are described in the attached flyers.


CU-Boulder Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES): The AES Department is consistently ranked among the top aerospace programs in the U.S. For more information on the PhD program, refer to the 2025-2026 Graduate Handbook<https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/media/8817>. Students will also be encouraged to pursue the other offerings within the College of Engineering for Applied Sciences, such as the Graduate Certificate in Global Engineering<https://www.colorado.edu/center/mortenson/education/graduate-education/graduate-certificate> and Environmental Engineering Program<https://www.colorado.edu/even/prospective-students/graduate-studies/degree-options/phd-degree-environmental-engineering#:~:text=As%20a%20PhD%20student%20at,average%2C%20to%20complete%20their%20degree.>.

How to Apply:

To learn more about the research, please visit this site<https://www.colorado.edu/faculty/khan-cryobiogeosensing>.

To be formally accepted to the PhD program, a full application<https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/admissions/graduates/how-apply#ucb-accordion-id--4-content2> must be submitted by Dec. 1st.

If interested in a Winter ’26 start, schedule a Zoom meeting ahead of the application deadline, before Nov. 21st. Send your CV and statement of interest addressing minimum and preferred qualifications listed above with the header ‘Prospective PhD student - Winter 26, Position 1 or 2’ to: alia.khan at colorado.edu. Please also note if you are available to begin research and fieldwork in summer 2026 and if you are interested in international polar fieldwork (pending physical qualification through the US Antarctic Program).

Zoom meetings for Fall ’26 start dates will be scheduled after the application deadline.


Alia L. Khan, PhD

Associate Professor – Aerospace Engineering Sciences<https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/alia-khan>

Cryosphere Remote Sensing and Biogeochemistry Group<https://www.colorado.edu/faculty/khan-cryobiogeosensing>

Faculty Affiliate - Environmental Engineering<https://www.colorado.edu/even/alia-khan-0> and Global Engineering<https://www.colorado.edu/center/mortenson/alia-lauren-khan-phd> <https://www.colorado.edu/center/mortenson/alia-lauren-khan-phd> Programs

Research Affiliate – National Snow and Ice Data Center<https://nsidc.org/about/about-nsidc/what-we-do/our-people/alia_khan>

University of Colorado – Boulder
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