Job Details

CIRES/NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Stratospheric Experimental Research Scientist

Position Number: 6862257
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Chemistry

CIRES/NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Stratospheric Experimental Research Scientist

Requisition Number: 69409
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 05-Feb-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking to hire a highly motivated Research Scientist through the University of Colorado to join the Atmospheric Composition and Chemical Processes (ACCP) group of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. This scientist will conduct research to understand the chemistry and composition of the atmosphere using custom-built instruments to measure trace gasses in-situ on research aircraft. Specific responsibilities of this position will be determined by interests and skills of the selected candidate and the needs of the ACCP group in 2026 and 2027, but it is anticipated that the candidate will be a key member of the team using laser-induced fluorescence and/or chemical ionization mass spectrometry to study reactive chemistry relevant to climate and stratospheric ozone processes during the SABRE project in 2026.

The scientist will participate in all aspects of performing measurements on airborne platforms including instrument maintenance, improvements, integration, calibration, operation, and data-reduction/quality assurance. Primary research foci of this team include understanding gas-phase and heterogeneous chemistry of reactive nitrogen (NOx, N2O5) and halogen species (ClONO2, ClO, BrO, etc.) in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere as well as the role of sulfur (SO2) and organic species in the formation of aerosols in the upper troposphere and stratosphere. The selected candidate will pursue novel research into these topics using data acquired during past and upcoming airborne science campaigns. The selected candidate may also contribute to the development of new quantitative calibration techniques and the extension of instrument capabilities to new target analytes or observational platforms. The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility of extension depending on funding.
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

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.

In the Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) of NOAA, researchers develop and use instruments to make scientifically valuable atmospheric measurements, conduct laboratory experiments, design and execute field missions, analyze observations, and use sophisticated computer models to better understand how our changing atmosphere is influencing climate - and therefore people.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Maintain, calibrate, and operate custom instruments developed for high altitude airborne sampling of trace gases (20%)
Support the deployment of instruments on airborne platforms such as the NASA WB-57 anticipating participation in the SABRE mission in 2026. Deployments involve travel to remote work locations for many weeks at a time (20%)
As needed, work with a team to develop new instrument measurement and calibration capabilities relevant to future airborne missions (20%)
Contribute to data analysis from prior deployments using ACCP data (20%)
Pursue novel research using the data acquired by these and other instruments during atmospheric science field campaigns. Present data, and analysis at science team meetings and research conferences. Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals (20%)

What You Should Know

The targeted start date for the appointment is April 1st, 2026.
This is a 2-year position with the possibility of extension if more funding becomes available.
Domestic and international travel for campaign deployment is estimated at up to 2 months per year.
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.
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.
Contact Daun Jeong (daun.jeong@colorado.edu) for further information concerning the science and research challenges of this position.

What We Can Offer

CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range is $72,000 - $93,992 for Research Scientist 1 or 2. Salary is commensurate with education and years of experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
University of Colorado Boulder offers 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.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package 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 CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be enlightened. Be unique. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with the operation and maintenance of complex instrumentation in a laboratory or field environment.
Experience with data interpretation for the presentation of scientific results at meetings and in scientific journals.
Ability to perform required duties associated with a ~ 6-week field deployments in support of missions once per year both domestically and internationally (e.g., Panama).
Demonstrated ability and experience working independently on novel topics.

What You Will Need

Interest in building and using custom scientific instrumentation to make observations in the atmosphere and analyzing these observations to address atmospheric problems of contemporary interest.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other researchers and support staff in a collaborative research environment.
Experience with instrument control software such as LabView; data analysis software such as IGOR, MATLAB, and IDL; and publishing and presentation software such as Microsoft Office and PowerPoint.

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 needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.

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 close February 5, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NOAA-Chemical-Sciences-Laboratory-Stratospheric-Experimental-Research-Scientist/69409