The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) encourages applications for a Research Scientist within NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work in the Aerosol Properties and Processes program alongside a number of federal and university employees engaged in research investigating aerosol particles and their impacts on air quality and climate. Our group consists of scientists at all stages of their careers working together to develop and characterize world-class instrumentation. We work as a team to make critical aerosol measurements by deploying these instruments on research aircraft and at field sites.

This position requires continuing and expanding research regarding the optical properties of aerosol particles, as well as incorporating meteorological, trace gas, aerosol microphysical and compositional information to understand how these properties evolve in the troposphere and stratosphere. This position also requires expanding research on model and satellite validation using in situ aerosol measurements. Individuals without an aerosol science background but with relevant laboratory or field experience are strongly encouraged to apply. CSL has a highly collaborative work culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy. Successful candidates will demonstrate competency and sensitivity in working with people from diverse cultures and background.

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 800 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

The mission of the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) is to advance scientific understanding of the chemical and physical processes that affect Earth’s atmospheric composition. CSL’s vision is a nation that has the needed scientific understanding and information about atmospheric composition to make optimal decisions for the well-being of current and future generations.

• Develop and operate instrumentation to measure the optical properties of aerosol particles, including extinction, absorption, and angular scattering. Current techniques include photoacoustic and cavity ringdown spectroscopy and polarimetric techniques.
• Operate and optimize aerosol calibration systems and apply the calibrations to field data.
• Independently operate these instruments, calibration systems, and other instruments in the laboratory and in the field to investigate both tropospheric and stratospheric particles.
• Travel for several weeks at a time, typically about once per year, for field projects.
• Combine the data collected by these instruments with measurements of particle size distribution, composition, and mixing state to improve understanding of the origin and evolution of aerosol optical properties and their influence on climate.
• Validate the in-situ aerosol optical properties with climate model and satellite retrieval.
• Integrate these measurements with meteorological and chemical information to better understand how atmospheric processing affects optical properties.
• Present results at scientific meetings and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

• In addition to the duties identified above, within CIRES/NOAA CSL, a Research Scientist is also responsible for conducting original research and/or supporting research through work in the field of Atmospheric Sciences.
• Outreach, education, and service activities are also important components of a Research Scientist’s effort.

• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• If you are selected for this position you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.
• Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News. https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
• All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement. New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

• We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• The annual hiring salary range for Post-Doctoral Associates is $62,000 - $66,000; for Research Associates (Research Scientists) the range is $66,000 to $87,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Relocation expenses are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• We can offer a hybrid work modality.

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, atmospheric sciences, engineering, or a closely related field is required.
• Experience in experimental physical sciences.

Additional requirements for Research Scientists

• At least 1 year of post-doctoral research experience.

We will give consideration to candidates who demonstrate the following required skills in their application materials:

• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with a diverse group of scientists and support an inclusive and respectful work culture.
• Ability to work independently as needed in laboratory and field environments.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to original, self-guided research.

Please note that while the position requirements are detailed in the What We Require and What You Will Need sections, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all the skills and experience listed in this “What We Would Like You To Have section” to be considered for this position. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We support on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Experience operating photoacoustic or cavity ringdown spectrometry or spectroscopic techniques.
• Experience in programming for data acquisition and scientific analysis.
• Experience in working with large data sets like model outputs and satellite data.
• Experience building instruments or substantially modifying commercial instrumentation, including electronic, data acquisition, and mechanical skills.
• A record demonstrating the ability to communicate science through publication and conference presentations.
• Specific examples of experimental physical sciences experience, including:
  • Use of lasers and complex optical systems.
  • Field measurements of atmospheric composition or physics.
  • Analyzing complex data sets.
  • Background in aerosol optics, physics and/or chemistry.
  • Developing, operating, and troubleshooting complex instrumentation.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A resume or CV
• A cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications relative to the education and required skills listed above, your professional goals, and your specific interest in this position
• A list of 3 references: the names, professional titles, and contact information of those who are familiar with your qualifications and work history. If you are identified as a finalist for this role, we will ask your professional references to complete a SkillSurvey on your behalf. SkillSurvey is an automated online reference check solution.

If you are selected as the finalist for the position, 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 a translated version as an optional attachment.

This posting will close on January 15th. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.