What are the responsibilities and job description for the CIRES/ NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Postdoctoral Associate in Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry position at University of Colorado Boulder?
Summary
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Postdoctoral Associate within NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work in the Tropospheric Chemistry program alongside a number of federal and university employees engaged in research investigating trace gases and aerosols and their impacts on air quality and climate. Our group develops and uses world-class instrumentation to measure these species and deploys these instruments on aircraft and at field sites.
The successful candidate for this position will investigate the emissions and atmospheric chemistry of trace gases and their oxidation products, with a particular focus on gas-phase reactive chlorine species, including chloramines (NH2Cl, NHCl2, NCl3), and their contribution to urban Cl-atom production. The Postdoctoral Associate in this role will retrieve and analyze chloramine and related halogen measurements from recent NOAA CSL ground, mobile laboratory, and aircraft field campaigns (e.g., SUNVEx, AEROMMA, and USOS), develop and apply calibration methods for the iodide chemical ionization mass spectrometer (I-CIMS) , and collaborate closely with university partners on the analysis of these data. The selected candidate will use these data for the development of chemical mechanisms and models, as well as assessment of the air quality and climate impacts of emissions and atmospheric chemical cycles. The selected individual will work with high-resolution, time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometers within the Tropospheric Chemistry instrument suite. Individuals without a mass spectrometry background, but with relevant experimental experience, are strongly encouraged to apply. CSL has a collaborative lab culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy.
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
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 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 mission of the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL ) is to advance scientific understanding of the chemical and physical processes that affect Earth’s atmospheric composition. CSL’s vision is a nation that has the needed scientific understanding and information about atmospheric composition to make optimal decisions for the well-being of current and future generations.
Responsibilities
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
CIRES offers a generous compensation package:
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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
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 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.
To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials
During the application process you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references who are familiar with your qualifications and work history. If you are identified as a finalist for this role, the search committee will request letters of recommendation from them as the search progresses.
For full consideration, please apply by October 22, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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.
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Postdoctoral Associate within NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work in the Tropospheric Chemistry program alongside a number of federal and university employees engaged in research investigating trace gases and aerosols and their impacts on air quality and climate. Our group develops and uses world-class instrumentation to measure these species and deploys these instruments on aircraft and at field sites.
The successful candidate for this position will investigate the emissions and atmospheric chemistry of trace gases and their oxidation products, with a particular focus on gas-phase reactive chlorine species, including chloramines (NH2Cl, NHCl2, NCl3), and their contribution to urban Cl-atom production. The Postdoctoral Associate in this role will retrieve and analyze chloramine and related halogen measurements from recent NOAA CSL ground, mobile laboratory, and aircraft field campaigns (e.g., SUNVEx, AEROMMA, and USOS), develop and apply calibration methods for the iodide chemical ionization mass spectrometer (I-CIMS) , and collaborate closely with university partners on the analysis of these data. The selected candidate will use these data for the development of chemical mechanisms and models, as well as assessment of the air quality and climate impacts of emissions and atmospheric chemical cycles. The selected individual will work with high-resolution, time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometers within the Tropospheric Chemistry instrument suite. Individuals without a mass spectrometry background, but with relevant experimental experience, are strongly encouraged to apply. CSL has a collaborative lab culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy.
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
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 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 mission of the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL ) is to advance scientific understanding of the chemical and physical processes that affect Earth’s atmospheric composition. CSL’s vision is a nation that has the needed scientific understanding and information about atmospheric composition to make optimal decisions for the well-being of current and future generations.
Responsibilities
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Operate instrumentation to measure atmospheric trace gases using chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Periodic travel for several weeks at a time may be required (15%)
- Analyze and interpret data collected by these instruments. (25%)
- Develop and implement calibration methods for gas-phase chloramines (NH2Cl, NHCl2, NCl3) and related reactive chlorine species on the I-CIMS, and apply these calibrations to retrieve concentration data from existing SUNVEx, AEROMMA, and USOS field campaign datasets (35%)
- Characterize the vertical and horizontal distribution and sources of gas-phase chloramines and other reactive chlorine species in North American cities and assess their contribution to urban Cl-atom production. (15%)
- Present results at scientific meetings and publish them in peer-reviewed literature. (10%)
- This is a 2-year position with the possibility of extension based on availability of funding.
- This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory located within 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
- Candidates must be legally able to start work on a full-time capacity and pass a federal background check by the targeted start date of March 1, 2027.
CIRES offers a generous compensation package:
- This position will be filled at the postdoctoral career track level. The annual hiring salary range is $65,000 - $70,000. 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.
- After an initial training period, this position can accommodate a hybrid work modality in accordance with project needs.
- 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.
- 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.
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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. In order to be hired for this position, candidates must successfully defend their dissertation and finish all revisions on their thesis work by the targeted start date of March 1, 2027.
- Experience in experimental physical sciences and data analysis
- Experience coding and analyzing data sets in Igor Pro and / or other data analysis and plotting software.
- Commitment to collaboration with groups of scientists
- The ability to work in a team and participate in the development of original research projects.
- A record demonstrating the ability to communicate science through publications and conference presentations.
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 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 operating time of flight mass spectrometers.
- Experience building instruments or modifying commercial instrumentation.
- Specific examples of experimental physical sciences experience that are desired include the following:
- Field measurements of atmospheric composition.
- Analyzing complex data sets.
- Understanding of chemical mechanisms and their development
- Knowledge of gas-phase reactive halogen chemistry (e.g., HCl, Cl2, ClNO2, chloramines) and its role in urban atmospheric chemistry
- Troubleshooting and resolving problems with instrumentation.
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.
During the application process you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references who are familiar with your qualifications and work history. If you are identified as a finalist for this role, the search committee will request letters of recommendation from them as the search progresses.
For full consideration, please apply by October 22, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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.
Salary : $65,000 - $70,000