Summary

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences ( CIRES ) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate or Research Scientist within NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory ( CSL ) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work in the Atmospheric Remote Sensing ( ARS ) program along with federal and university employees engaged in boundary layer (BL) atmospheric composition and dynamics research for various applications using Doppler and/or ozone lidars as primary instruments. Our group develops and uses world-class lidars and deploys these instruments on various mobile platforms (e.g. aircraft, ships, trucks), and on the ground at field sites for mobile and stationary measurements.

This position requires continuing and expanding research regarding the remote sensing of BL structure, composition and processes, as well as developing and incorporating analysis schemes for new data products. These measurements advance understanding of physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere. This position requires close collaboration with the modeling community and the use of lidar measurements for the evaluation and improvement of weather, air quality and climate models.

Individuals without lidar field campaigns experience, but with relevant scientific background in optics, instrumentation, modeling and data science, or laboratory studies are strongly encouraged to apply.

CSL has a collaborative lab culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy. Successful candidates will demonstrate competency and sensitivity in working in a diverse community.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

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 950 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.

For All Applicants

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Analyze and interpret lidar measurements and use data for various boundary layer research studies including air quality, wildfires, and climate, as well as measurement studies designed to inform numerical model improvement.
• Participate in field campaigns. Specifically, deploy the Doppler and/or ozone lidar systems for various projects, help to design and test optimal measurement strategies and monitor instruments performance
• Periodic travel for several weeks at a time is required.
• Present results at scientific meetings and publish them in peer-reviewed literature.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities For Research Scientists

• Contribute to formulation and execution of research directions within the Atmospheric Remote Sensing Program.
  
  

What You Should Know

• This is a 2-year position with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory located within the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• If you are the selected finalist you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.
• Non-US citizens without green cards may have limited building access and require an escort in the building.
  
  

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $64,000 - $68,000 for Post-Doctoral Associates and $68,000 - $90,000 for Research Scientists. Salary is commensurate with education and years of 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.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
• 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.
• 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.
  
  

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements

Be challenged. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Requirements for all applicants:

• Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, meteorology, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental physical sciences and data analysis.
  
  

Additional Qualifications For Research Scientists

• At least one additional year of experience beyond PhD is required for this level.
  
  

What You Will Need

• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with a diverse group of scientists.
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive laboratory.
• The ability to work in a team and participate in the development of original research projects.
  
  

What We Would Like You To Have

We invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Experience with Doppler and/or ozone lidars.
• Experience working with lidar data.
• Experience in coding or data analysis using MATLAB, Igor Pro, IDL or other software packages.
• A record demonstrating the ability to communicate science through publication and conference presentations.
  
  

Specific examples of experimental and / or computational physical sciences experience that are desired include the following:

• Participate in field measurements.
• Analyze complex data sets.
• Troubleshooting and resolving problems with instrumentation.
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive laboratory.
• Ability to work well in teams, be self-driven and meet deadlines.
  
  

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
• If you are identified as a finalist for the position, we will ask you to contact three references to complete a SkillSurvey questionnaire on your behalf. SkillSurvey is an online automated reference check solution. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.
  
  

If you are selected as the finalist, 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.

Please apply by March 8, 2024 for consideration.

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