New

CIRES/ CSL Temporary Researcher, Lidar Scientist

University of Colorado
vacation time, sick time
United States, Colorado, Boulder
Sep 21, 2026
Requisition Number: 74973 Location: Boulder, Colorado City Boulder State Colorado Employment Type: Research Faculty Schedule: Part-Time Posting Close Date: 23-Sep-2026 Date Posted: 21-Sep-2026 Close All 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. 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. Who We Are 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. https://csl.noaa.gov/ What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be 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. Participate 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. What You Should Know 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@colorado.edu) with any questions. This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality. What We Can Offer The hourly rate for this position ranges from $48.56 - $64.42 per hour. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Benefits Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave. Be Statements Be creative. Be talented. Be Boulder. What We Require 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). What You Will Need 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. What We Would Like You to Have Experience with ozone and/or Doppler lidars Experience working with lidar data Experience coding in MATLAB. A record demonstrating the ability to communicate science through publication or conference presentations. Specific examples of experimental physical sciences experience that are desired include the following: Participate in field measurements. Analyze complex data sets. Troubleshooting and resolving problems with instrumentation. Ability to work in a collaborative environment with a diverse group of scientists. Commitment to supporting an inclusive laboratory. Ability to work well in teams, be determined and meet deadlines. Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials: Resume/CV. If you are identified as a finalist, the search committee will request one letter recommendation at a later time. If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment. Please apply by September 23, 2026 to be considered for this position. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.