CIRES/ NOAA CSL Aerosol Mass Spectrometer Research Scientist

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at 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 Tropospheric Chemistry program alongside a number of federal and university employees engaged in research investigating trace gases and aerosol particles and their impacts on air quality and climate. Our group develops and uses world-class instrumentation to measure these species and deploys these instruments on aircraft and at field sites.

This position requires continuing and expanding research regarding the chemical composition of aerosol particles, as well as incorporating trace gas and aerosol physical information to understand aerosol sources, formation and growth, and other chemical and physical processes in the troposphere. Individuals without an aerosol science background, but with relevant laboratory experience, 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

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 of 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 the scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

https://cires.colorado.edu/

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.

https://csl.noaa.gov/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Operate instrumentation to measure the chemical and physical properties of aerosol particles, especially aerosol mass spectrometer instruments.
• 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.
• Periodic travel for several weeks at a time is required.
• Analyze and interpret data collected by these instruments.
• Present results at scientific meetings and publish them in peer-reviewed literature.

What You Should Know

• 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 the selected finalist 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 the top place to live in the U.S by U.S News. https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live .
• Boulder is located just 20 miles from Denver, which is a large, diverse city ranked #2 in the Best Places to Live in the U.S by U.S News.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, the ECO Pass benefit mentioned below allows you to have free access to the public transit system, which is a phenomenal network of buses and light rails that connect Boulder, Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

What We Can Offer

• Relocation expenses are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• This Research Associate position will be filled at the Research Scientist I or Research Scientist II career track level. The annual hiring salary range is $60,000- $78,000.
• We can 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 .

Be Statements
Be Impactful. Be Proactive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.

What You Will Need

• Experience in experimental physical sciences.
• 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
Please note that while the position details both required skills and desired skills, applicants do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We provide on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Experience operating the aerosol mass spectrometer.
• Experience coding in Igor Pro.
• Experience building instruments or modifying commercial instrumentation.
• A record demonstrating the ability to communicate science through publication and conference presentations.
• Specific examples of experimental physical sciences experience that are desired include the following:
• Use of aerosol generation and characterization equipment.
• Field measurements of atmospheric composition.
• Analyzing complex data sets.
• Aerosol chemistry and/or physics.
• Troubleshooting and resolving problems with instrumentation.

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 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, 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.

The position will be open until filled. Applications will be screened as they are received.

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: Carrie Womack

Posting Contact Email: caroline.womack@noaa.gov