Research Professor - Greenhouse Gas Measurements and Modeling

About the role

The Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State (University Park, PA) announces an opening for a Research Professor to contribute to and lead research on greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements and modeling. The successful candidate will contribute to projects aimed at understanding sources and sinks of GHGs in the Earth system, working on both measurements and numerical modeling of GHGs from systems such as oil and gas production, agricultural systems, cities, and ecosystems. The candidate will co-lead the measurement and analysis programs of a highly collaborative research group. This is a term position; the length of the term will be discussed during the interview process, with continuation dependent on university need, performance, and/or funding availability. The position will be available as early as 1 November 2026 and will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities

• Leadership of the group responsible for setup, operation and maintenance of ground‑based GHG observing systems.
• Evaluation of networks of GHG measurements.
• Evaluation of surface‑atmosphere exchange of GHGs using atmospheric budgets and inversions.
• Lead and contribute to publications using these measurement systems.
• Serve as lead investigator, as appropriate, for funded research efforts related to these topics.
• Advise or co‑advise graduate and undergraduate researchers working in these areas.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a related field.
• Ten or more years of experience testing, deploying and maintaining ground‑based GHG observational systems.
• Nationally‑recognized expertise with instrument calibration, field deployment and operation, including established ties with national and international instrument network leaders and a record of publication in this field.
• Strong communications and writing skills, ability to multi‑task, and ability to work with a diverse array of collaborators.
• Ability to advise project graduate students.
• Ability to lead a group of instrument scientists.
• Ability to serve as principal investigator for funded research efforts.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.