CIRES/NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, Methane Modeling Post-Doctoral Associate
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Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) in Boulder, Colorado announce an opportunity for postdoctoral research related to the global atmospheric methane budget. The position involves using in situ and remote sensing data, along with data assimilation/flux inversion methods and atmospheric transport modeling to estimate methane emissions and its atmospheric distribution. Potential areas of inquiry include evaluating the use of remotely sensed flux mapping and source imaging data in methane flux inversions, improved quantification of model transport errors, use of stable methane isotopes to discriminate between fossil and microbial emissions, and reducing uncertainty related to atmospheric chemical sinks. The goal of this research is to explore possible improvements to the NOAA CarbonTracker-CH4 modeling system.
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.
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
- Prepare remote sensing and in situ data for use in a modeling system, including consideration of measurement and model uncertainty.
- Design and execution of model experiments aimed at understanding constraints imposed by different types of observations at various spatial and temporal scales.
- Consider how super-emitter data can be incorporated into regional or global atmospheric inversions.
- Design and execution of model experiments to identify improved prior emissions and better approaches for treatment of atmospheric chemical methane sinks.
- Evaluate the potential benefits of using stable isotope observations in atmospheric methane inversions.
What You Should Know
- This is a 3-year appointment.
- The targeted start date for this appointment is October 1st, 2023.
- 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.
What We Can Offer
- CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $65,000-$71,000. 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.
- This position offers a hybrid work environment with both on-site and remote work hours.
- 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
- A Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Earth System Science or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience with numerical modeling preferably on high performance computing systems
- Experience in publishing peer-reviewed journal articles, and presenting research findings at scientific conferences.
What You Will Need
- Skill in analysis and visualization of large data sets.
- Familiarity with both compiled and high-level programming languages.
- Ability to work as part of an inclusive and productive team as well as the ability to formulate independent ideas.
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 working with atmospheric models and data assimilation techniques.
- An interest in investigating ways to improve our knowledge of the atmospheric methane budget and to exploit new observational constraints.
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.
- Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to submit information for 3 professional references (must include at least 1 supervisor). If you are identified as a finalist for this role, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a SkillSurvey questionnaire on your behalf. SkillSurvey is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the search committee members.
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.
This position will remain open until finalists have been identified.
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: Andrew Jacobson
Posting Contact Email: andy.jacobson@noaa.gov