CIRES/NOAA CSL Post-Doctoral Associate or Research Scientist in Aerosol Mass Spectrometry
Requisition Number:
Location:
City
State
Employment Type:
Schedule:
Date Posted:
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 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. The successful applicant will work the High Resolution Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer and other aerosol instruments. 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.
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.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Responsibilities for All Applicants:
- 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.
Additional Responsibilities for Research Scientist:
- Contribute to formulation and execution of research directions within the Tropospheric Chemistry 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.
- Some relocation funds are available for this role following CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder’s rules and regulations for relocation reimbursement.
- This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality in accordance with project needs.
- 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
Be Statements
What We Require
Requirements for All Applicants:
- Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.
- Experience in experimental physical sciences and data analysis.
Additional requirements for Research Scientists:
- At least one year of relevant experience beyond PhD.
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 operating the aerosol mass spectrometer.
- Experience coding and analyzing data sets 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:
- 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 five 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.
The position will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed 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: Jeffrey Peischl
Posting Contact Email: Jeff.Peischl@noaa.gov