CIRES/CSL Instrument Development and Stratospheric Post-Doctoral Associate or Research Scientist

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking a highly motivated Research and Development Scientist to join the Atmospheric Composition and Chemical Processes group of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. This position involves working in close cooperation with the research and engineering staff of CIRES and NOAA CSL to develop and deploy balloon sonde and other platform high-altitude research instrumentation to study important topics in the composition and chemistry of the upper troposphere and stratosphere. The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing in situ measurements and complementary satellite and modeling datasets to address issues as far-ranging as: stratospheric aerosol microphysics; Earth’s radiative balance; chemistry of the ozone layer; and the impacts of volcanic eruptions, large wildfires, aircraft and rocket emissions, as well as potential geoengineering efforts, on the upper atmosphere.
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

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.

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

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Build research instrumentation designed in collaboration with other NOAA scientists and engineers.
• Integrate new/modified research instrumentation onto new and/or existing platforms for research in atmospheric sciences.
• Potentially participate in remote field deployments to make atmospheric measurements, in the US or abroad.
• Prepare and interpret scientific data to address research questions
• Present findings at scientific meetings and publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Additional Responsibilities for Research Scientists

• Identify important research questions and prepare and interpret scientific data to address these research questions.
• Take the lead on the design of novel research instrumentation.
• Potentially act as a supervisor for more junior scientists.
• Outreach, education, and service activities are also important components of a Research Scientist’s effort.

What You Should Know

• The position is available for a period of 2 years with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding.
• This position will be administrated by CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, but will be physically located in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, a federal campus.
• If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process for site access. Non-US citizens without green cards will have limited building access, and require an escort in the building.
• CIRES and NOAA CSL are committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
• Contact Dr. Alex Baron (alexandre.baron@noaa.gov) of CIRES for further information concerning this position.

What We Can Offer

• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $62, 000 - $66,000 for a Postdoc or $ 66,000 - $87,000 for a Research Scientist. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• 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. b y 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.
• This position will allow for remote work 1 day per week.

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 ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in physics, chemistry, engineering, atmospheric science or a related field.

Additional requirements for Research Scientists:

• 1 year of postdoctoral research experience in physics, chemistry, engineering, atmospheric science or a related field.
• Proven capability for self-guided and original research as indicated by first-authored publications.

What You Will Need

• Background in physics, analytical chemistry and instrumentation.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Laboratory and/or machine shop skills.
• Ability to work well with other researchers and support staff in a diverse and collaborative research environment.
• Interest in developing and utilizing balloon-borne, high-altitude aircraft, or unmanned aerial system (UAS) instrumentation for research in atmospheric sciences.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this “What We Would Like You To Have” section. If you meet the requirements 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.

Desired knowledge, skills and experience for Post-Doctoral Associates:

• 6 months - 2 years of experience in research related to atmospheric sciences.
• Capability for instrument design and fabrication.
• Understanding of optics and optical sensors.
• Capability for self-guided, motivated, and original research.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation of scientific results.
• Good writing and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative research environment.

Desired knowledge, skills and experience for Research Scientists:

• 2-5 years of experience in research related to atmospheric sciences.
• Experience with instrument design and fabrication.
• Experience with optics and optical sensors.
• Demonstrated experience with self-guided, motivated, and original research.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation of scientific results for meetings and for publication in scientific journals.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative research environment.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. One page cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. If you are selected as a finalist, we will contact you through email for you to initiate a SkillSurvey questionnaire. You will be asked to offer contact information for professional references (including supervisors) and they will be asked to complete the 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 members.

If you are selected 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.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by April 30th, 2023, and continue until the position is 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: Alexandre Baron

Posting Contact Email: ALEXANDRE.BARON@noaa.gov