CIRES/ NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory Atmospheric/ Physical Research Associate

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) encourages applications for a Research Scientist to work on measurements of stratospheric aerosol. The selected candidate will work in close cooperation with the CIRES and federal research staff of the Atmospheric Composition and Chemical Processes (ACCP) group of NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in developing and deploying instruments on balloon sondes and other platforms for measurement of aerosol size distributions and shortwave (solar) radiation in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. These measurements are important for addressing issues of stratospheric aerosol variability, radiative properties, and microphysical processes, and determining the impact of perturbations to the stratospheric aerosol burden on radiative forcing of climate and the chemistry of the ozone layer.
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

At CIRES, the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, more than 800 environmental scientists work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES is a partnership between NOAA and the University of Colorado Boulder, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at the Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, and solid Earth sciences. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

https://cires.colorado.edu/

In the Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) of the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratories, researchers develop and use instruments to make precise atmospheric measurements, conduct laboratory experiments, design and execute field missions, analyze observations, and use sophisticated computer models to better understand how our changing atmosphere is influencing climate - and therefore people.

https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Participation in the deployment of field instruments for measuring aerosol on a high-altitude balloon and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms.
• Construction, operation, maintenance, and calibration of aerosol instrumentation.
• Engage in field missions to make atmospheric measurements. Field missions often require up to several weeks at deployment sites.
• Preparation and interpretation of collected aerosol data to address science questions on the role of aerosol in atmospheric processes and climate. This requires analysis of multi-parameter data sets, interaction with other instrument investigators, and the use of models and model results.
• Presentation of findings at scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

What You Should Know

• The position is available for a period of two years with the possibility of extension.
• 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, on a federal research campus. If you are the finalist you will be required to pass a background clearance for site access.
• Contact Joseph Katich ( joseph.m.katich@noaa.gov ) of CIRES for further information concerning this position.

What We Can Offer

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

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 .

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What We Require

• Ph. D. in physics, chemistry, engineering, atmospheric science, or related field.
• Experience with the design, fabrication, operation, and maintenance of complex instrumentation in a laboratory or field environment.

What You Will Need

• Interest in building and using custom instrumentation to make measurements in the atmosphere and analyzing these observations to address atmospheric problems of contemporary interest.
• Excellent writing skills are highly desirable.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience with optics and optical sensors.
• A background in Atmospheric Science.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation for the presentation of scientific results at meetings and in scientific journals.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. List of contact information for 3 references who will be willing to write a confidential Letter of Recommendation for you.

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.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Position will remain posted until filled.

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

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Joseph Katich

Posting Contact Email: joseph.m.katich@noaa.gov