What are the responsibilities and job description for the CIRES / NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Post-Doctoral Associate or Research S position at University of Colorado?
Requisition Number:
75960
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
20-Nov-2026
Date Posted:
06-Nov-2026
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Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Post-doctoral Associate or Research Scientist 1 position within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. This role will contribute to the Tropospheric Chemistry Program, working alongside federal and university employees engaged in research investigating trace gases and aerosol particles and their impacts on air quality and climate. Our group develops and deploys world-class instrumentation to measure these species in the field on stationary and mobile research platforms, including research aircraft, and performs observation-based atmospheric chemistry and composition data analysis to understand air quality and climate impacts.
The successful candidate will become a key member of the CIRES and NOAA CSL Tropospheric Chemistry Program, investigating the emissions and atmospheric chemistry of greenhouse gases, particularly methane (CH), and other trace gas pollutants emitted from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and other waste-sector sources. Leveraging existing datasets collected during NOAA-led airborne and ground-based field campaigns, the successful candidate will develop and apply quantitative methods to estimate methane emissions using airborne mass balance techniques, evaluate uncertainties associated with airborne and satellite observations, identify source-specific chemical signatures to improve emissions attribution, and synthesize results into scalable, observation-based datasets that support greenhouse gas monitoring, emissions inventories, and mitigation strategies. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with NOAA and CIRES scientists, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present results at scientific conferences, and contribute to the development of innovative methods for greenhouse gas emissions quantification. At the RS1 level, the successful candidate will additionally contribute to the formulation and execution of research directions within the Tropospheric Chemistry Program. This position may include occasional domestic travel to scientific meetings, workshops, and field activities.
CSL has a collaborative lab culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy. Successful candidates will demonstrate competency and sensitivity in working in a dynamic community.
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.
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
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on methane emissions and atmospheric chemistry associated with waste-sector sources, particularly landfills by analyzing airborne, ground-based, mobile, and in-situ and remote sensing atmospheric datasets using state-of-the-art observational and quantitative analysis techniques and developing and applying methods to quantify greenhouse gas emissions fluxes, evaluate measurement uncertainties, and improve source attribution. (55%) For candidates hired at the Research Scientist level, duties will include the formulation and execution of research directions within the Tropospheric Chemistry Program.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at national and international scientific conferences. (20%)
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, proposals, and other research products. (15%)
- Participate in occasional domestic travel associated with scientific meetings, workshops, and collaborative activities. (5%)
- Collaborate with NOAA and CIRES scientists to interpret results, develop new research approaches, and contribute to ongoing research initiatives. (5%)
What You Should Know
- The targeted start date for the appointment is February 1, 2027.
- This is a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension.
- The targeted start date for this position is February 1, 2027. Candidates must be authorized to work on a full-time capacity and pass a federal clearance background check by that date in order to be eligible for hire.
- 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-U.S. citizens without green cards may have limited building access and may require an escort within the facility.
- Contact Ilana Pollack (pollacki@colorado.edu) with any questions.
What We Can Offer
- CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
- This position will be filled at the post-doctoral or Research Scientist I level. The annual hiring salary range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 for Post-Doctoral Associates and $72,000 to $84,450 for Research Scientists. Salary and career track assignment (Postdoctoral vs. Research Scientist I) will be determined based on publication record, experience, and preparedness to lead research. Salary will also be commensurate with education, years of experience and internal equity.
- 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.
- The 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. 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 authentic. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- A Ph.D. in atmospheric science, chemistry, physics, environmental engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the start date.
- Experience conducting original research, including the analysis and interpretation of atmospheric observations and the communication of scientific results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
What You Will Need
- Expertise in quantitative analysis and interpretation of atmospheric observations.
- General knowledge of atmospheric composition, atmospheric chemistry, and related air quality and climate research.
- Proficiency with scientific data analysis and visualization software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, or IGOR) and standard presentation/publications tools (e.g., Microsoft Office).
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, self-motivated research while contributing effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication 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 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.
- Experience analyzing airborne, mobile, or satellite remote sensing observations.
- Experience with greenhouse gas emissions quantification and emissions inventories.
- Familiarity with atmospheric transport, inverse modeling, or mass balance approaches for emissions estimation.
- Experience working with large datasets of atmospheric observations from field campaigns and monitoring networks.
- Experience with methane and other trace gas measurements, atmospheric chemistry, or waste sector emissions research.
Special Instructions
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
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.
Please apply by November 20, 2026 for consideration.
For questions, please contact search chair, Wyndom Chace at wyndom.chace@colorado.edu.
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