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

Research Scientist in Satellite Data Assimilation and Atmospheric Chemistry Model Development

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. The successful candidate will work in the Atmospheric Composition Modeling (ACM) program alongside a number of federal and university employees engaged in research developing the satellite data assimilation framework for global air quality forecasting based on NOAA's Unified Forecast System with Chemistry (UFS-Chem) model.

Our group consists of scientists at all career stages working together to evaluate the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) atmospheric composition satellite products, advance UFS-Chem model capability and development, and integrate validated satellite observations into UFS-Chem via a data assimilation system. CSL has a highly collaborative work culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy.

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.

• 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%).
• Perform other relevant duties as necessary (5%).

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• 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.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality after an initial training period.
• CIRES 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.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

• 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.

• 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.

• Experience applying advanced statistical evaluations for model-measurement comparisons and/or satellite validations.
• Experience developing statistical analysis and visualization tools.
• Experience developing a workflow for model implementations.
• Experience documenting standard operating procedures for technical tasks.
• Experience evaluating emissions inventory.