CIRES/NOAA GML Trace Gas Observing Systems Research Scientist

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking a Research Scientist to support the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory's (GML) Technology Transitions, Engineering, and Applications (TTEA) division. Within the broader GML mission of conducting research that addresses three major challenges: greenhouse gas and carbon cycle feedbacks, changes in clouds, aerosols and surface radiation, and stratospheric ozone recovery, the TTEA division aims to advance observing capabilities for direct measurements of atmospheric trace gases to enhance a) global and regional scale carbon emissions and/or uptake detection, b) model and satellite evaluation used to understand trends and variability of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances and c) the understanding of tropospheric and stratospheric composition feedbacks on earth’s radiation budget in a changing climate.

The TTEA division develops, implements and/or transitions to operations innovative atmospheric observing platforms, instruments, and sampling techniques to fulfill this mission. We collaborate across GML to provide new technologies and measurement capabilities for field campaigns and for the Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network (GGGRN), an international measurement effort that includes regular discrete sampling from NOAA/GML baseline observatories and cooperative fixed sites, as well as mobile aircraft, balloon, UAS and ship-based platforms. A two-year full-time position is available, with the possibility for extension based on performance and funding availability.

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 Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates long-term observing systems of atmospheric carbon, water vapor, ozone, ozone-depleting substances, aerosols, radiation and clouds, and develops new observing, analytical and modeling capabilities to enable a process understanding of past and future changes.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Lead or co-lead research projects using commercial aircraft and small instrumented aircraft to address new or scientifically-relevant questions relating to greenhouse gas emissions
• Lead independent research related to NOAA/GML’s mission stemming from new aircraft platforms and technologies
• Assist in the acquisition and quality control of in situ atmospheric measurements during shorter, field campaign studies and/or within the broader GGGRN
• Interpret airborne atmospheric data to better understand the global and North American carbon budgets
• Assist with the development and improvement of techniques, procedures and instrumentation used within the GGGRN, in particular for in situ measurements of atmospheric greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances from surface, airborne, or ship-based platforms
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.

What You Should Know

• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, but will be located at the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO.
• If you are selected for this position 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.
• This position requires the ability to travel and conduct fieldwork up to 20% of the time per year on average.
• Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during campaigns or conferences/workshops.
• Given project deliverables, the targeted start date for this position is October 1, 2023.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $70,000- $105,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Relocation funds are available following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• CIRES and CU 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 ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in atmospheric physics or chemistry, oceanography, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience developing and/or making high-accuracy measurements of trace gases with a background that includes techniques such as in situ gas chromatography and/or spectrometry.
• Ability to conduct full-time, in-person laboratory work in a U.S. government facility (which requires successful completion of a federal background check) with possible situational telework.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret atmospheric measurements and communicate results to the scientific community via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.
• Proficiency in understanding of atmospheric dynamics and boundary layer processes.
• Proficiency in computer programming with MATLAB, Igor, R, or Python
• Ability to fly on research aircraft.
• Demonstrated ability to lead independent research.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct field measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully conduct work in a collaborative environment with a diverse group of scientists.
• Good oral, written and interpersonal communications skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized and meticulous.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following:

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 5 professional references (including 2 supervisors) and they will be asked to complete a 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.

The position will remain open 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: Eric Hintsa

Posting Contact Email: eric.hintsa@noaa.gov