CIRES / NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, PTR-ToF-MS Post-Doctoral Associate

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to join NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work in the Tropospheric Chemistry (TC) program, collaborating with federal and university researchers on trace gases and aerosol particles and their impacts on air quality and climate. This role involves developing and deploying advanced instrumentation for field measurements on stationary and mobile platforms, including research aircraft.

The position focuses on investigating volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and atmospheric chemistry as part of the NASA FarmFlux Earth Venture Suborbital program (EVS-4) in 2027 and future CSL missions. Domestic travel for field work and scientific meetings may total up to 3 months per year. Candidates with relevant scientific backgrounds in mass spectrometry, instrumentation, modeling, data science, or laboratory studies are encouraged to apply, even without prior CIMS field campaign experience.

This is a 2-year position with a targeted start date of October 1, 2026, and the possibility of extension. The role is rostered in CIRES but physically situated at the David Skaggs Research Center, a federal campus in Boulder. Selected finalists must pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About the Role

The successful candidate will become a key member of the CIRES and NOAA CSL’s Tropospheric Chemistry Program, contributing to field research, data analysis, and scientific collaboration. Responsibilities include participating in the NASA FarmFlux mission, collecting in-situ atmospheric observations of VOCs aboard a NASA heavy-lift research aircraft, and using data for airborne eddy covariance flux calculations, emissions source identification, and thermodynamic modeling. Results will inform comparisons to emissions inventories and assessments of air quality and climate impacts.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret PTR-ToF-MS VOC measurements from FarmFlux and other CSL research, using data for studies on air quality, wildfires, climate, and numerical model improvement efforts. (50%)
• Participate in planning group short- and long-term research strategies. (10%)
• Engage in field campaigns, including the NASA FarmFlux mission. (30%)
• Present results at scientific meetings and publish findings in peer-reviewed literature. (10%)

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, meteorology, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental physical/atmospheric sciences.
• Proficiency in data analysis and programming (e.g., MATLAB, IDL, or other image visualization software).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct atmospheric composition research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present at national/international conferences.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to the development of original research projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PTR-ToF-MS or other CIMS instruments.
• Experience working with VOC data.
• Coding proficiency in MATLAB, Igor, or LabVIEW.
• Record of communicating science through publications and conference presentations.
• Field measurement experience, including troubleshooting instrumentation and analyzing complex datasets.
• Strong teamwork skills, determination, and ability to meet deadlines.

Pay

The annual hiring salary range for this position is $65,000, commensurate with education and experience, and determined based on CIRES internal career track classification.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off and tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
• ECO Pass for free access to the regional public transit system.
• Relocation expense assistance following CIRES and University of Colorado policies.
• Hybrid work modality options.
• Access to CU Boulder’s robust training curriculum, professional development opportunities, and Mentorship Program.