Areas of Intereset: Research
Functional Areas: Research Institutes and Labs
Department: Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
Requisition Number: 13259
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full-Time


Job Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated research scientist to investigate the chemical composition of wildfire smoke and the broader climate and air quality impacts of biomass burning. You will work as part of a highly specialized team to help operate, maintain, and field-deploy a custom-built whole-air canister sampling and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (WAS/GC-MS) analysis system used to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from samples taken aboard research aircraft, mobile laboratories, and ground sites.

The qualified candidate will work full-time in the Tropospheric Chemistry Program of the NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division (www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/groups/csd7) in Boulder, CO and will be a key participant in airborne sampling as part of the 2019 NOAA/NASA Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality Experiment (FIREX-AQ), https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/projects/firex/

Successful candidates are well-rounded, adept with scientific instrumentation and methodologies, and adaptable to the variabilities of field research in order to improve our scientific understanding of atmospheric emissions and chemistry relevant to climate change and air quality issues. We are looking for inquisitive, goal-oriented scientists who can think logically, learn quickly, work efficiently, communicate effectively, and work independently as well as collaboratively within a group.

Who We Are

At CIRES, the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, more than 800 environmental scientists work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES is a partnership of NOAA and the University of Colorado Boulder, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at the Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, and solid Earth sciences. 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 Division (CSD), of the NOAA, Earth System Research Laboratory, researchers build instruments to make precise measurements, conduct laboratory experiments, design and operate field missions, analyze observations, and use sophisticated computer models to better understand how our changing atmosphere is influencing climate – and therefore people.

Tropospheric Chemistry: airborne & surface observations, data interpretation

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Work as part of a small, highly specialized team to operate, maintain, and field deploy the NOAA whole-air canister sampling and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (WAS/GC-MS) analysis systems.
• Work effectively as part of a large and dynamic research group to prepare for, participate in, and analyze and interpret data from laboratory and field-based research utilizing the WAS/GC-MS systems and other instrumentation.
• Identify and carry out original research in the presentation and publication of scientific results at conferences and in the peer-reviewed literature.

What We Can Offer

We can offer a competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be Ambitious. Be Engaged. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.

What You Will Need

• Ability to excel under pressure.
• Dedication to getting the job done.
• Availability for extended field deployment travel (up to 8 weeks at a time, up to once per year).
• Ability to safely lift 50 pounds.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience building, maintaining, and/or troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, gas sample handling, and data systems is highly desired.
• Familiarity with gas chromatography (GC) and/or mass spectrometry (MS) methods is highly desired but not required.
• Proficiency in instrument control software (LabView) and data anaylsis software (IGOR and Excel) is desired.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV.
2. Cover letter briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. Proof of degree in either a transcript confirming highest degree or a copy of diploma.
4. List of contact information for 3 references who would be willing to write a recommendation letter if you are selected as the finalist.

• If you are selected as the finalist, we will contact you through email and request that you submit 1 name and email of a reference who will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation (can be one of the 3 noted above). This information will be kept confidential and viewable only the search committee.

Screening will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Posting Contact Name: Nancy Lathrop

Posting Contact Email: nancy.lathrop@colorado.edu

The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer

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