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CIRES/NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Post-Doctoral Associate in Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling and Satellite-Remote Sensing Observations

Requisition Number:

51852

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

29-Sep-2023

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences—a collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-–is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate to perform chemical data assimilation of satellite-remote sensing observations of greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality (AQ) species. Specifically, this project will investigate the capabilities of a future low earth orbiting satellite constellation that encompasses the ultraviolet–visible–near infrared– thermal infrared (UV-VIS-NIR-TIR) for tracking emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), and for performing source attribution by leveraging correlations across co-emitted trace gasses such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3). A multi-species approach aids in attribution of GHG and AQ emissions to key sectors, such as fossil fuel combustion (e.g., transportation), oil and gas operations, and agriculture, as well as quantifying co-benefits of mitigating GHGs and AQ species. 

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 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

  • Perform chemical data assimilation using a global model (e.g., GEOS-Chem) with 4D variational techniques, including ingestion of satellite data.
  • Actively work with a multitude of atmospheric composition satellite datasets (e.g., GOSAT/GOSAT-2, CrIS + OMPS, TROPOMI), along with airborne field campaign data collected by NOAA and NASA.
  • Perform Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) and real satellite data experiments to demonstrate future capabilities of UV-VIS-NIR-TIR in tracking GHG-AQ emission sources onboard future NOAA satellites.
  • Present findings at scientific meetings and communicate results by leading a peer-reviewed journal article.

What You Should Know

  • This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of extension depending on funding and performance.
  • If you are selected for this position you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance.
  • Candidates must be able to start work at a time which ensures project milestones can be delivered by late Spring 2024.   

What We Can Offer

  • CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
  • The annual hiring salary range for this position is $64,000- $68,000. Salary is commensurate with education and years of experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
  • 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.
  • 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

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 curious. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Requirements include, at a minimum, a Ph.D. in environmental or mechanical engineering, atmospheric sciences, computer science or a related field.

What You Will Need

  • Ability to produce chemical data assimilation simulations, and communicate and interpret the results, with a minimum of guidance.
  • Ability to lead the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts and present findings at conferences.
  • Ability and desire to contribute to an inclusive and collaborative work environment. 

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 is sought in atmospheric modeling, data assimilation, and/or remote sensing analysis is desired. Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, FORTRAN, etc.), or prior experience with chemical data assimilation is desired.

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. Please do not include letters of recommendation with the original application. If you are identified as a finalist for this role, the search committee will request 3 letters of recommendation at a later time.

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 (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

This position will remain posted until finalists have been identified. Applications received by October 15 will receive full consideration.

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: Arthur Mizzi

Posting Contact Email: arthur.mizzi@colorado.edu