CIRES​/Ziemann Research Group Post-Doctoral Associate

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder welcomes applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate within the Ziemann Research Group. This position will be responsible for conducting laboratory studies of the products and mechanisms of monoterpene oxidation and aerosol formation using an environmental chamber and a suite of analytical instruments and methods.

The Ziemann Research Group has decades of experience conducting laboratory studies aimed at identifying and quantifying gas- and particle-phase products formed from the oxidation of volatile organic compounds emitted from biogenic and anthropogenic sources. The group uses this information to develop chemical mechanisms that improve air quality models. Experiments are conducted in a Teflon environmental chamber, and products are analyzed using a variety of mass spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and wet chemistry techniques.

CIRES hosts more than 900 environmental science professionals who study the dynamic Earth system, including the relationships between humans and the planet. The institute is partnered with NOAA since 1967 and focuses on weather and climate, polar changes, 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.

• Conduct environmental chamber studies of reactions of selected monoterpenes with OH radicals across various oxidation regimes using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) to analyze gas and aerosol products in real time.
• Collect filter and impinger samples for subsequent offline analyses.
• Analyze filter extracts and impinger samples for mass and chemical composition using gravimetry, thermal desorption CIMS, ion trap mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and derivatization-spectrophotometry.
• Use IGOR-based Tofwerk software to analyze CIMS data to determine molecular formulas of gas and aerosol reaction products.
• Use results from chemical analyses to identify, quantify, and determine the volatility of gas and aerosol reaction products.
• Develop explicit and simplified reaction mechanisms and kinetics models for various oxidation regimes.
• Prepare and present results to scientific audiences through journal publications, conference presentations, and user-group meetings.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

This is a one-year position with potential renewal for a total of two and a half years. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible.

• CIRES offers a generous compensation and benefits package.
• Annually, the salary ranges from $65,000 to $70,000, commensurate with education and experience.
• Relocation funds are available to help offset moving expenses.
• Robust training curriculum, professional development opportunities, and a mentorship program.
• Boulder offers vibrant community amenities and free access to local transit.
• Additional perks through the CU Advantage program.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we support holistic health and well‑being with medical, dental, and retirement plans, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, and an ECO Pass for local transit. Our comprehensive benefits package also includes access to world‑class outdoor recreation.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• A PhD degree in chemistry, atmospheric science, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of atmospheric chemistry.
• Ability to conduct mass spectrometry measurements and data analysis.
• Skill in learning new laboratory methods for environmental chamber studies and organic chemical analysis.
• Knowledge of kinetic modeling and mechanisms of atmospheric oxidation of organic compounds.
• Strong work ethic and interest in challenging research on atmospheric organic oxidation and aerosol formation.

• Experience with gas and liquid chromatography.
• Experience with infrared spectroscopy.
• Experience with wet chemical techniques.
• Experience with laboratory studies of chemical systems.
• Experience with data analysis methods for analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with kinetics modeling.

Resume/CV

Cover letter briefly describing qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

If you are identified as a finalist, you will be asked to provide two letters of recommendation at a later time.

Please submit all materials through CU Boulder Jobs by March…