CIRES​/CSL Temporary Researcher, Lidar Scientist

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder encourages applications for a Temporary Researcher within NOAA's Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL). The successful candidate will join the Atmospheric Remote Sensing program. You will work alongside a collaborative team of federal and university scientists. The primary focus is the post-processing and analysis of Doppler lidar data
. This data originates from key field campaigns. The work directly advances research in boundary layer dynamics, turbulence, and air quality.

Our group develops and deploys world-class active remote sensing instruments. We operate across airborne, ship-based, and mobile ground platforms. We require an expert with a strong background in atmospheric remote sensing or physics
. Deep expertise in active remote sensing architectures and boundary layer workflows is essential. A Ph.D. in Physics or a related field is required. CSL relies on a highly collaborative work culture. We seek a candidate who actively subscribes to this team philosophy.

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.

NOAA's Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) is a world leader in atmospheric chemistry and composition, developing and deploying advanced technologies to ensure NOAA remains at the forefront in protecting lives, property, and livelihoods of the American people. (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Analyze and interpret lidar measurements and use data for various boundary layer research studies including air quality, wildfires, and climate, as well as measurement studies designed to inform numerical model improvement efforts.
• Participation in the planning of group short- and long-term research strategies.
• Opportunities exist to actively participate in field campaigns; specifically, deploy the Doppler and/or ozone lidar systems for various projects, help to design and test optimal measurement strategies, and monitor instrument performance.

• 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.
• The hours for this position may vary and are not guaranteed.
• This temporary position cannot extend past a maximum of 12 months.
• The targeted start date for the appointment is October 1, 2026.
• 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, a federal campus.
• If you are the selected finalist you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access. Non-US citizens without green cards may have limited building access, and may require an escort in the building.
• Contact Michael Zucker (michael.zucker) with any questions.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $48.56 - $64.42 per hour. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

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

Be creative. Be talented. Be Boulder.

• A Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, meteorology, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental physical/atmospheric sciences.
• Experience in data analysis and programming (such as MATLAB, IDL, or other image visualization software).

• Demonstrated ability to perform boundary layer research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• The ability to work in a team and participate in the development of original research projects.

• Experience with ozone and/or Doppler lidars
• Experience working with lidar data
• Experience coding in MATLAB.
• A…