Job Details

CIRES/ NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory Temporary Aerosol Scientist

Position Number: 7248856
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Chemistry

CIRES/ NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory Temporary Aerosol Scientist

Requisition Number: 72695
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 19-Jun-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The CIRES/NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) team is seeking an Aerosol Scientist to lead and conduct independent research aligned with the CSL mission. The scientist will prepare the PALMS-NG instrument for deployment on the NASA WB-57 aircraft, perform calibrations for particle composition and aerodynamic size, participate in the SABRE 2026 field campaign, and analyze and disseminate resulting data products. This role requires deep expertise in operating, improving, and interpreting data from single-particle mass spectrometers and related aerosol-generation and characterization instrumentation. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, technical independence, and a record of pursuing innovative research topics in atmospheric aerosol science.
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 people work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. An institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, we have partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 1967. Our areas of expertise include weather and climate, wildfire and water, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our researchers work in 10 CU Boulder departments and eight NOAA laboratories and centers.

The NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) conducts research to understand the role of atmospheric chemistry in climate and air quality. The APP (Aerosol Processes and Physics) group makes direct in situ observations of the physical properties and chemical composition of atmospheric aerosol to serve the goals of CSL and NOAA.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

(75%) Operates, improves, calibrates and analyzes data from the PALMS-NG instruments for the SABRE tropical and/or other upcoming missions.
(20%) Independently conducts measurements of aerosol composition in collaborative field missions, including pre-campaign preparations. Disseminates data to colleagues and public.
(5%) Performs other duties as necessary, e.g. identifying needed supplies.

What You Should Know

This appointment is not eligible for vacation leave, holidays, annual merit pay increases, nor employee health, retirement, or related benefits, except those required by law.
This appointment will accrue 0.034 hours of sick leave for every hour worked.
The hours for this position may vary and are not guaranteed.
This temporary position cannot extend past a maximum of 12 months.

What We Can Offer

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $60.57/hour. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be effective. Be willing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

PhD in physics, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, or a related field.

What You Will Need

At least 7+ years experience using single particle mass spectrometry.
Previous experience with airborne air sampling in large collaborative missions.
Competence using Labview software to run custom analytical instrumentation.
Ability to run the PALMS-NG instrument on the WB-57F independently.
Ability to advocate for the scientific objectives and limitations of the PALMS-NG instrument to mission leadership.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following materials with your application:

Resume or CV.

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.

Please apply by June 19, 2026 for consideration.

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

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NOAA-Chemical-Sciences-Laboratory-Temporary-Aerosol-Scientist/72695