Job Details

CIRES/NOAA CSL Temporary Senior Research Aerosol Scientist

Position Number: 7077411
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Other Science

CIRES/NOAA CSL Temporary Senior Research Aerosol Scientist

Requisition Number: 71109
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 15-Apr-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking an Aerosol Scientist to join the Aerosol Properties and Processes (APP) group within the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL). Here, they will study the role of atmospheric chemistry in climate and air quality. Specifically, the APP group makes direct in situ observations of the physical properties and chemical composition of atmospheric aerosol to serve the goals of CSL and NOAA.

The Aerosol Scientist must show leadership and independence while conducting research in line with the CSL mission. Specific duties include readying the optical and condensation-based aerosol size distribution measurement instruments for use in field missions; contributing to the instrumental and methodological development of aerosol measurement capabilities, including analysis code development; the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of resulting data products; and pursuing relevant research topics. This requires substantial experience in operating, improving, calibrating, and analyzing data from the UHSAS, NMASS, and CMASS instruments.
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

At CIRES more than 900 people work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. An institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, we have partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 1967. Our areas of expertise include weather and climate, wildfire and water, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our researchers work in 10 CU Boulder departments and eight NOAA laboratories and centers.

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's Earth System Research Laboratories, researchers build instruments to make precise 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

(75%) Operates, improves, calibrates and analyzes data from the UHSAS, NMASS, and CMASS instruments for the SABRE tropical and/or other upcoming missions.
(20%) Independently conducts measurements of aerosol composition in collaborative efforts, including pre-campaign preparations. Disseminates data to colleagues and the public.
(5%) Performs other duties as necessary, e.g. identifying needed supplies.

What You Should Know

This is a part-time position, and the employee will be expected to work up to 20 hours per week.
The hours for this position may vary and are not guaranteed.
This appointment is not eligible for vacation leave, holidays, annual merit pay increases, nor employee health, retirement, or related benefits, except those required by law.
This appointment will accrue 0.034 hours of sick leave for every hour worked.
This temporary position cannot extend past a maximum of 12 months.

CIRES commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

What We Can Offer

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $64.42-$72.36/hour. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be willing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A doctoral degree in atmospheric science, physics, engineering, or a related field.
Research experience in building, operating, troubleshooting, and calibrating condensational particle counters in extreme environments.
Extensive experience with the challenges of airborne aerosol measurements.
Immediate availability.

What You Will Need

Ability to learn and apply new skills.
Eagerness to advance scientific understanding using simulations and observations.
Willingness to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong ability to communicate results in both written and oral form.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following materials with your application:

Resume or CV.

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.

This posting will close April 15, 2026.

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

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NOAA-CSL-Temporary-Senior-Research-Aerosol-Scientist/71109