CIRES Visiting Postdoctoral and Sabbatical Fellowships 2026 at University of Colorado, USA
- Omran Aburayya
- 23 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you are an early-career or senior researcher in environmental science seeking to engage in an inspiring research environment, the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) Visiting Postdoctoral and Sabbatical Fellowships 2026 opportunity may be exactly what you are looking for. Hosted at the University of Colorado at Boulder, this programme offers a rich interdisciplinary environment, competitive support and integration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) laboratories for high-impact research in environmental science.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA — CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Host Institution: CIRES – a cooperative institute between the University of Colorado Boulder and NOAA.
Fellowship Levels:
Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships: Two-year term for researchers early in their career.
Sabbatical/Visiting Senior Fellowships: Terms up to 12 months for senior scientists on leave or sabbatical.
Target Group:
For the postdoctoral track: PhD completed, no more than about 4 years out from graduation (exceptions possible).
For the sabbatical track: Senior scientists with established credentials, from institutions outside the Boulder/University of Colorado community.
Fields of Focus: Environmental science disciplines aligned with CIRES/NOAA research themes (e.g., climate, oceans, atmosphere, geoscience, interdisciplinary teams) — the proposal must link with a CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist.
Value & Coverage:
Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships: Annual salary starting at US $70,000 for the first year; research budget up to US $8,000; laptop provided; relocation stipend (no family costs) for the individual.
Sabbatical Fellowships: Terms up to 12 months; lodging expense reimbursement up to around US $2,500/month; research budget up to US $8,000; laptop provided.
Duration:
Postdoctoral: 24 months (two years) term.
Sabbatical: Up to 12 months.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2026 cycle open October 20, 2025; due January 1, 2026 (11:59 pm MST).
📚 Fellowship Overview
The CIRES Visiting Fellows Program is designed to bring exceptional researchers into the CIRES/NOAA collaborative environment in Boulder, Colorado. Over its 50-year history, more than 350 scientists from around the world have participated, many going on to sustained careers with CIRES or NOAA.
The programme emphasises collaboration: applicants should identify a sponsoring CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist well ahead of the application deadline. The research proposal must clearly articulate how the applicant and the sponsor will collaborate, how the work aligns with CIRES strategic research, and what outcomes are expected.
The selection process emphasizes not only individual scientific excellence but also the potential for novel partnerships, interdisciplinary impact, and alignment with CIRES/NOAA research priorities..
💲 Benefits
Competitive salary / funding: For the postdoctoral track, starting at US $70,000 per year, plus research budget and relocation support.
Research autonomy and collaborative environment: Access to world-class laboratories, CIRES and NOAA facilities, and the opportunity to work across disciplines.
Budget for research activities: Up to US $8,000 for research supplies/materials (for both tracks).
Institutional support: The programme is backed by CIRES and NOAA, offering stability and a strong scientific environment.
Career development: Participation can enhance the applicant’s research profile, strengthen collaborative networks and potentially open doors for long-term roles in leading environmental science institutions.
Access to Boulder research community: One of the key environmental science hubs in the U.S., with collaborative opportunities across atmosphere, climate, oceans, and interdisciplinary domains.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
For the Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship:
PhD completed in a relevant discipline (environmental sciences, geosciences, climate, etc) prior to the start date.
Typically no more than 4 years post-PhD at the time of application; exceptions may be made for, e.g., caretaking responsibilities.
Applicants must not be current or former University of Colorado Boulder graduate students or postdocs.
Must identify and secure support from a sponsoring CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist.
For the Sabbatical/Senior Visiting Fellowship:
Applicant must hold a position at an academic or research institution, and be available for residence at CIRES for a minimum of ~3 months (and up to 12 months).
Priority given to candidates outside the Boulder/University of Colorado community.
For both tracks:
Proposed research must align with CIRES/NOAA themes and indicate how collaboration with the sponsor will be structured.
The application should be written for an interdisciplinary scientific audience (not narrowly technical) as the review committee spans broad disciplines.
Additional eligibility notes:
Applicants requiring visa sponsorship may do so; CIRES advises contacting their international HR specialist.
Visiting Fellows must begin their fellowship within 10 months of offer acceptance; deferral is not allowed.
📝 Application Procedure
Identify and reach out to potential CIRES Fellow/Senior Research Scientist sponsor well in advance. Collaboratively plan the project and secure their commitment.
Prepare and submit the application online by the deadline (January 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm MST). Letters of recommendation by January 8, 2026.
Wait for the selection committee’s decision (typically spring 2026). Begin fellowship within 10 months of offer.
After acceptance, prepare for relocation (postdocs) or sabbatical residence; engage actively with the CIRES community and present at the CIRES Rendezvous symposium in May or arrange a seminar prior to fellowship completion.
🗂️ Documents Required
CV (2-page NSF template)
Academic transcripts (for postdoctoral applicants)
Cover letter (1-2 pages) including: expected start date, sponsor names, nature of collaboration, justification for how the applicant will contribute to the CIRES scientific community, key experience event that influenced the applicant’s scientific growth.
Research proposal (3 pages max including figures) outlining motivation, novelty, methods, expected outcomes, timeline, and articulation of why the work should be done at CIRES with that sponsor.
Names and contact information of 3 referees for letters of recommendation (recommendation letters address independent thinking, collaboration, perseverance, relevant skills).
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Engage early with potential sponsors at CIRES: meaningful contact and alignment of interests markedly increase a proposal’s strength.
Craft a proposal that clearly addresses how it fits CIRES/NOAA research priorities and how residence at Boulder will contribute uniquely to the project.
Write for a broad scientific audience — avoid heavy jargon and clearly communicate impact, novelty, and interdisciplinary relevance.
Demonstrate your research track record, but also emphasise your potential for collaboration, innovation and contribution to the CIRES community.
For postdoc applicants: ensure PhD is completed by start date, or clearly explain any delays (e.g., caretaking responsibilities) in the cover letter.
For senior applicants (sabbatical route): highlight what new collaborations, mentoring, or partnerships you will generate through your visit.
Pay strict attention to deadlines and technical requirements (e.g., length of proposal, font size, submission portal compatibility).
Ensure letters of recommendation reflect the criteria: independent thinking, creativity, perseverance, collaborative skill.
Plan logistics early — especially for relocation, visa (if applicable), and coordinate with your host for timelines, start date within 10 months.
Consider how your presence at CIRES will benefit both your research trajectory and the broader institute, and how you will engage with students/teams, present at the Rendezvous, etc.
✨ By participating in the CIRES Visiting Fellows Programme you’ll immerse yourself in one of the premier environments for environmental science research in the U.S., gain access to world-class facilities and networks, and strengthen your career trajectory in a way that resonates with high international standards and interdisciplinary collaboration.