CIRES / NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Research Scientist in Atmospheric Aerosol and Cloud Measurements

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) encourages applications for a Research Scientist in aerosol and cloud in situ instrumentation within NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work in the program alongside a number of federal and university employees engaged in research investigating atmospheric composition and its impacts on air quality and climate. Our group consists of scientists and engineers at all stages of their careers working together to develop, characterize, and deploy world-class instrumentation in the air and on the ground to make in situ measurements that are critical for understanding climate and air quality. CSL has a highly collaborative work culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy.

The selected scientist will play a central role in a collaborative effort between CIRES, NOAA, the University of Leeds and Imperial College London, funded by . The effort, is focused on quantifying the concentration of ice nucleating particles present in the upper troposphere (UT), by collecting them with a weather-balloon borne sampler and subsequently analyzing them off-line via test setups being developed at Leeds. The core duties for this position center on developing a compact aerosol sampler for collecting the ice nucleating particles, and deploying it with other relevant instrumentation from Boulder, CO. After a development phase for the devices, a deployment phase follows, with the expectation of scientific analysis of findings. This work is relevant to improved understanding of cirrus cloud processes and their role in influencing the radiative balance of the Earth.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 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 leads atmospheric science research, focusing on air quality and climate. A key effort involves developing and deploying advanced instruments for continuous, high-fidelity atmospheric measurements. CSL also conducts vital laboratory experiments to simulate and study atmospheric chemical and physical reactions. This combined field and lab work supports major domestic and international field missions, where researchers collect comprehensive datasets using aircraft and ground stations across diverse environments, from polar to urban. Scientists analyze these observations using sophisticated computer models—from regional air quality to global climate models—to test hypotheses and project future environmental scenarios. This work illuminates how the changing atmosphere, driven by human and natural factors, impacts climate, air quality, and human health. Ultimately, CSL provides the foundational science that supports NOAA's mission to understand, predict, and share knowledge about changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts with decision-makers and the public.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design / build research instrumentation to study aerosols in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. (40%)
• Integrate and deploy new / modified research instrumentation onto new and / or existing platforms for research in atmospheric sciences. (20%)
• Prepare and interpret scientific data to address research questions. (20%)
• Present findings at scientific meetings and publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. (10%)
• Participate in remote field deployments to make atmospheric measurements, in the US or abroad. (10%)

What You Should Know

What We Can Offer

CIRES / NOAA CSL provides an engaged and collaborative work environment, and the opportunity to contribute to addressing scientific questions relevant to all of society. You will be part of a supportive team with extensive experience and success carrying out measurements in the upper troposphere and stratosphere.

Benefits

At the , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the program.

Be Statements

Be adaptable. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

What You Will Need

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 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.