careers/internships

Current Openings

Postdoctoral Researcher

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is seeking a motivated and dedicated Postdoctoral researcher, whom would be co-advised by Dr. Jake Kurzweil at MSI and the United States Geological Survey, to lead the technical analysis and publication process on a very exciting effort to quantify the hydrologic impacts of Low-Tech Process Based Restoration (LT-PBR). MSI has been working on implementing LT-PBR structures in Southwest Colorado for the past five years and has identified a clear knowledge gap in that very few have fully quantified the impact of LT-PBR work on the water balance, particularly impacts across elevation bands. This position would directly support our efforts to fill this gap by monitoring, analyzing, and publishing data on field sites in southwest Colorado including Mesa Verde National Park, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, and Silverton.

In addition to this primary project, the Postdoc would have the opportunity to work on our Snow Smart Forestry project where we are developing a hyper-resolution process-based snow model (SnowPALM) to generate hydrologically informed wildfire treatments that will be implemented by the San Juan National Forest and monitored by MSI. There are other funded projects focusing on large scale stream restoration that the Postdoc can also contribute to, if interested.

The expectation is that this individual will be able to:

• Implement and lead all research components, with support from MSI staff, including experimental design, field campaigns, data analysis, and publication in a peer reviewed journal

• Interpret research results through publication and oral presentations

• Represent MSI in meetings with the public, partners, and scientific conferences

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: PhD in a relevant field including Hydrology, Geography, Geology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Snow Science, etc.

• >5 years (inclusive of graduate school) in a similar or related field directly relevant to ecohydrologic research

• Experienced with numerical hydrologic analyses

• Expertise in database management (R, Python, Access, MatLab)

• Expertise with statistical analysis and associated software packages (R, python, JMP, SAS, etc.)

• Track record of relevant publishing in peer-reviewed journals

Please click here for more details and preferred qualifications as well as how to apply.

Applications will be accepted through August 15th, 2026.

Part-Time Water Research Technician

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is seeking a motivated individual to serve as a Research Technician I on a part-time irregular basis in MSI’s Water Team supporting aquatic ecology, snowtography, and other water team initiatives. Work will primarily focus on two main research initiatives:

• Processing and sub-sampling benthic macroinvertebrate (aquatic insect) samples, and

• Assisting with field work and data analysis on a project investigating how wildfire mitigation and forest management activities (thinning, prescribed fire) affects snowpack and water resources.

Qualified candidates will have an interest in aquatic ecology, snow science, and forest management with experience working in field and lab settings. A qualified candidate must be able to thoroughly follow detailed inventory and safety protocols.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-2 seasons of ecology, snow science, or forestry-related field and/or lab experience

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions, including ability to consistently follow and adhere to detailed field sampling protocols

• Strong attention to detail

• A high school diploma or GED

MSI will provide training relevant to specific methods used for project work and data management including processing, sorting, and identifying aquatic insect samples to the order-level; snow stake photo processing; etc.

Please click here for full list of preferred qualifications as well as how to apply.

Applications will be accepted through August 10th, 2026.

MSI is searching for board members!

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is a 501 (c)(3) non-advocacy, mountain education and research nonprofit established in 2002. MSI was created to increase knowledge of the unique San Juan Mountain environment, deepen our understanding of the issues that affect it, and develop solutions for the benefit of our vibrant mountain communities. We build partnerships to steward natural and cultural values by engaging scientists, citizens, and land managers to innovate solutions through advancing research, promoting education, and developing best practices to put science into action. 

The mission of MSI is to empower communities, managers, and scientists to innovate solutions through mountain research, education, and practice. 

Qualities of a Successful Candidate

A successful candidate for a board member position should demonstrate commitment to the mission of MSI and willingness to contribute to the success of MSI through provision of specialized technical skills (ie law, financial oversight, research experience, or other), support to fundraising, or availability for active participation. Please click here for full list of duties and responsibilities as well as how to apply.

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ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

DIVERSITY MAKES US STRONGER 

MSI aims to build a welcoming, inclusive team that is as diverse as the many mountain communities we serve. We seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an environment where all staff are valued and respected. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position. This policy applies to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination. 

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