Research Scientist in Aerosol and Cloud In-Situ Instrumentation

Summary

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) encourages applications for a Research Scientist in aerosol and cloud in situ instrumentation within NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work in the Atmospheric Composition and Chemical Processes (ACCP) program alongside a number of federal and university employees engaged in research investigating atmospheric composition and its impacts on air quality and climate. Our group consists of scientists and engineers at all stages of their careers working together to develop, characterize, and deploy world-class instrumentation in the air and on the ground to make in situ measurements that are critical for understanding climate and air quality. CSL has a highly collaborative work culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy.

The selected scientist will play a central role in a collaborative effort between CIRES, NOAA, the University of Leeds and Imperial College London, funded by ARIA, the UK Advanced Research + Invention Agency . The effort, “Ice-Nucleating Particles in the Upper Troposphere: Advancing Cirrus Control and Experimental Science Strength (INPUT:ACCESS)” is focused on quantifying the concentration of ice nucleating particles present in the upper troposphere (UT), by collecting them with a weather-balloon borne sampler and subsequently analyzing them off-line via test setups being developed at Leeds. The core duties for this position center on developing a compact aerosol sampler for collecting the ice nucleating particles, and deploying it with other relevant instrumentation from Boulder, CO. After a development phase for the devices, a deployment phase follows, with the expectation of scientific analysis of findings. This work is relevant to improved understanding of cirrus cloud processes and their role in influencing the radiative balance of the Earth.

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 NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) leads atmospheric science research, focusing on air quality and climate. A key effort involves developing and deploying advanced instruments for continuous, high-fidelity atmospheric measurements. CSL also conducts vital laboratory experiments to simulate and study atmospheric chemical and physical reactions. This combined field and lab work supports major domestic and international field missions, where researchers collect comprehensive datasets using aircraft and ground stations across diverse environments, from polar to urban. Scientists analyze these observations using sophisticated computer models—from regional air quality to global climate models—to test hypotheses and project future environmental scenarios. This work illuminates how the changing atmosphere, driven by human and natural factors, impacts climate, air quality, and human health. Ultimately, CSL provides the foundational science that supports NOAA's mission to understand, predict, and share knowledge about changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts with decision-makers and the public.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design/build research instrumentation to study aerosols in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. (40%)
• Integrate and deploy new/modified research instrumentation onto new and/or existing platforms for research in atmospheric sciences. (20%)
• Prepare and interpret scientific data to address research questions. (20%)
• Present findings at scientific meetings and publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. (10%)
• Participate in remote field deployments to make atmospheric measurements, in the US or abroad. (10%)
  
  

What You Should Know

• This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funding.
• This is a full-time position with a targeted start date on April 1, 2026.
• Domestic and international travel is required for campaign deployment up to 3 weeks.
• Local field work involving balloon launch and recovery can be considered challenging (e.g. hiking in winter conditions to retrieve instrumentation). The candidate must be capable of hiking for approximately one hour in steep terrain.
• 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 finalist, you will be required to pass a background check. Non-US citizens without green cards will have limited building access and require a federal escort in the building.
• Contact Alex Baron (alex.baron@colorado.edu) of CIRES for further information concerning this position.
  
  

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What We Can Offer

CIRES/NOAA CSL provides an engaged and collaborative work environment, and the opportunity to contribute to addressing scientific questions relevant to all of society. You will be part of a supportive team with extensive experience and success carrying out measurements in the upper troposphere and stratosphere.

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range is $72,000 - $93,992 for Research Scientist 1 or 2. 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 period of instrument development in the lab, this position may offer the possibility of some remote work.
• 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.
• David Skaggs Research Center is located less than 30 miles from Denver, which is a large, metropolitan city.
  
  

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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be adaptable. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in physics, chemistry, engineering, atmospheric science or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation/laboratory development, repair, or maintenance.
• Capability for self-guided, motivated, and original research.
• Good writing and communication skills.
  
  

What You Will Need

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• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Laboratory/engineering and/or machine shop skills.
• Ability to work well with other researchers and support staff in a collaborative research environment.
  
  

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.

• 2-5 years of experience in research related to atmospheric sciences.
• Experience with instrument design and fabrication.
• Expertise in aerosol microphysics, and aerosol-cloud interactions.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation of scientific results for meetings and publication in scientific journals.
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative research environment.
  
  

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following materials with your application:

• 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 a digital 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 February 19, 2026, for full consideration.

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