CIRES / NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Research Scientist in Satellite Data Assimilation and Atmospheric Chemistry Model Developer

About the role

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 Satellite Data Assimilation and Atmospheric Chemistry Model Development within NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Develops and validates atmospheric chemical-transport models for both research and operational applications, including development of the Configurable ATmospheric Chemistry (CATChem) library (30%).
• Incorporates the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) framework for satellite data assimilation into the UFS-Chem atmospheric chemistry model (30%).
• Updates fire emissions to be used in UFS-Chem to improve model performance at simulating ozone and aerosols produced from fires (25%).
• Evaluates UFS-Chem model output against in situ and satellite observations and publishes new scientific findings in the peer-reviewed literature (10%).
• Performs other relevant duties as necessary (5%).

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in atmospheric sciences or relevant field of study, followed by a minimum of two years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Candidates fulfilling two years of postdoctoral research experience by October 1, 2026, will be considered.
• Experience with satellite data assimilation is required.
• Experience with atmospheric chemical-transport model development (UFS experience is a plus) is required.
• Experience with statistical evaluations and validations is required.
• Experience publishing scientific findings in peer-reviewed literature is required.

Skills

• Ability to consistently promote, support, work, and act in a manner in support of CIRES’ vision, mission and values.
• Strong knowledge of satellite data retrievals.
• Strong knowledge of atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric chemistry and geoscientific models.
• Strong skills with large-scale data processing and visualization.
• Expertise with high-performance computing and/or cloud computing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrated programming proficiency through Python.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present at national/international conferences.

Benefits

• Annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000 - $84,450.
• Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career-track classification.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality after an initial training period.
• CUIRES 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.

Pay

The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000 - $84,450. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career-track classification.

Schedule

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. Domestic or international conference travel is required for approximately 1-3 times per year. Occasional field campaign support may be required for approximately 1-2 times per year.