CIRES/ NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Postdoctoral Associate in Climate Intervention Laboratory Studies
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Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate to join the Chemical Processes and Instrument Development group of the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL). Within this group, the CIRES Post-Doctoral Associate will work closely with a team of NOAA and CIRES scientists to perform laboratory studies of the spectroscopy, physical, and chemical properties of CaCO3, a proposed stratospheric aerosol climate intervention agent, and other Ca minerals. This is a 2-year appointment, contingent on performance.
A doctoral degree in chemistry, physics, atmospheric science or a related field is required for this position. The ideal candidate would have experience with infrared spectroscopy and the DRIFTS technique. The candidate should communicate effectively and must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a group.
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
- Work closely with a team of NOAA and CIRES scientists to advance the understanding of CaCO3 as a climate intervention aerosol.
- Design laboratory experiments, perform experiments, and interpret data.
- Report on this research in scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.
What You Should Know
- This is a 2-year appointment, contingent on performance.
- 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, on a federal research campus.
- Selected finalists will be required to pass a federal background check for site access. Foreign nationals’ access to the federal facility may be limited to weekdays, and with the presence of a federal escort.
- This position will require in-person work in the lab 5-days a week.
- 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. https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live.
- 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.
What We Can Offer
- We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $64,000 - $68,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
- Relocation expenses are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
- CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- A doctoral degree in chemistry, physics, atmospheric science, or a related field.
- Experience in the operation of Fourier transform infrared spectrometers (FTIR) and application of the DRIFTS technique.
- Experience in performing and interpreting laboratory experiments.
- Experience in heterogeneous laboratory studies.
- Experience in chemical kinetic methods and data analysis/interpretation.
What You Will Need
- Ability to learn and apply new skills.
- Eagerness to advance scientific understanding.
- Willingness to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong ability to communicate results in both written and oral form.
- Desire and ability to contribute to an inclusive and diverse work environment.
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.
- Experience in performing and analysis of absolute and relative rate kinetic data.
- Experience with pulsed lasers.
- Experience with gas and aerosol flow reactors.
- Experience with mass spectrometry methods.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV.
- Cover letter briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
- Contact information for 3 professional references who would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. If you are selected as a finalist, only 1 letter of recommendation will be required. This letter will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.
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 a suitable candidate is identified. 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