CIRES​/NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Stratospheric Experimental Research Scientist

Overview

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 gases 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.

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 gases 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.

CIRES 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 1, 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) for further information concerning the science and research…