CIRES/NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, Post-Doctoral Associate in Radiation Observations
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Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado Boulder, has an opening for a Postdoctoral Associate within the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) in Boulder, Colorado! The researcher will develop new radiation and cloud products for use on towers, ships, aircraft and other platforms. The position will include research into novel instrument deployment and calibration techniques, updating and development of critical data products for the use of surface radiation measurements in cloud and aerosol studies, and scientific insights into the radiative effects of clouds, aerosols, and surface properties important to weather, climate, and applications like renewable energy. The researcher will work for the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder but located at the NOAA David Skaggs Research Center, Boulder, CO. This role will work alongside federal and university employees engaged in research examining the Earth’s surface radiation budget and climate forcing properties of atmospheric constituents from short-term field campaigns as well as long-term U.S. surface radiation, aerosol, and cloud networks.
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:
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.
https://www.gml.noaa.gov/grad
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Assist with the assessment and analysis (and optionally installation) of new radiation measurements in a tower above the tree canopy in the Southeast United States at a new U.S. Department of Energy measurement site focused on land-atmosphere interactions, shallow cumulus clouds, and cloud-aerosol interactions. (10%)
- Developing code, algorithms, and processes to create data products as needed (20%)
- Develop new techniques for surface radiation measurement calibration and use. (20%)
- Collaborate on inter- and cross-agency projects for the collection, preparation, and/or interpretation of radiation, cloud, and aerosol data-sets and analysis of their role in processes impacted by radiation such as land-atmosphere interactions, cloud radiative effects, and aerosol-cloud interactions. (25%)
- Presentation of findings at scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals as appropriate. (25%)
Other job activities could include:
- Assisting with collection, processing, and managing of meteorological and atmospheric data from ground-based observations, or observations on ships or aircraft.
What You Should Know
- Given project deliverables, candidates must be able to start work by February 1, 2025.
- This is a 2-year position with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding. Funding must be confirmed annually.
- This role 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 the top place to live in the U.S. News.
- CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
- This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality
- Some relocation funds are available for this position to off-set moving expenses following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $65,000- $70,000.
- CIRES can offer a generous compensation package. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- PhD degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Chemical, Physical Sciences, or a related field.
What You Will Need
- Ability to contribute to an inclusive and collaborative work environment with multiple internal and external research groups and projects as required by the science
- Ability to understand radiation/cloud observing systems (e.g. radiometers, ceilometers)
- Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, MATLAB, or R
- Strong data analysis skills, including experience handling moderately large scientific data sets
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex scientific concepts to both expert and non-expert audiences (e.g. scientific publications and presentations)
- Excellent time management, ability to multitask, and organizational/logistical skills
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/experience outlined in this 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 modifying and/or developing retrievals of cloud, aerosol, or radiation properties.
- Familiarity with developing operational, scalable, and maintainable code for scientific applications, including experience with version control, automated testing, and documentation
- Knowledge of radiometers and related instrumentation for climate and atmospheric science applications
- Involvement with long-term atmospheric observations, scientific field programs or scientific experiments
- Familiarity with calibration methodology and requirements
- Willingness to install instrumentation in the field
- Proficiency in designing and completing research studies, skilled at identifying, formulating, and solving complex research problems
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, be prepared to submit contact information for 2 references who can complete a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
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 close November 22, 2024.
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: Laura Riihimaki
Posting Contact Email: laura.riihimaki@noaa.gov