Climate Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado seeks a Research Scientist to join the Stratospheric Modeling and Analysis (SMA) Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. Our group uses a variety of models and observations to study the complex relationships between stratospheric composition, chemistry, dynamics, and radiation, and how these processes affect weather and air quality. If hired, you will work closely with a team of federal and CIRES scientists to implement improvements to an in-house satellite stratospheric composition dataset and use it to support new chemical forecast development/validation efforts and other scientific analyses of coupled stratospheric processes. This project will involve work with large satellite and model data sets, chemistry-climate modeling in a supercomputing environment, and likely investigation and implementation of machine learning software for scientific applications.
We seek a person with experience and interest in global-scale modeling and data analysis. A PhD degree is required, preferably in atmospheric science. The ideal candidate would have experience with satellite data analysis, statistics, atmospheric chemistry/radiation/dynamics, numerical modeling, computer programming, and machine learning. While few candidates will possess every desirable skill, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate a capacity to rapidly acquire and utilize new expertise, an eagerness to advance scientific understanding using simulations and observations, a willingness to work both independently and collaboratively, and a strong ability to communicate results in both written and oral form. This job will be in the CIRES Research Scientist career track.
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
CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
The Stratospheric Modeling and Analysis (SMA) Program in the Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) uses a variety of models and observations to study the complex relationships between stratospheric composition, chemistry, dynamics, and radiation, and how these processes affect weather and air quality.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Participate/lead in UFS-chem validation/development efforts, particularly with relation to stratospheric aerosols, ozone and water vapor, including: (40%)
• Evaluation of stratospheric ozone/water vapor/aerosol biases in comparison to observations (e.g. SWOOSH, SAGE III/ISS, OMPS), including episodic events (e.g., volcanic eruptions)
• Targeted UFS-chem experiments to test potential improvements with respect to stratospheric composition, and process studies to understand whether improved stratospheric composition and/or dynamics improve forecasts
• Develop and implement improvements to the SWOOSH multi-satellite water vapor and ozone data record, with a specific focus on SAGE III/ISS data and ensuring reliability of the long-term record. (55-60%)
• Evaluate new and updated satellite data sets for inclusion into SWOOSH,
• Improve data screening, data homogenization, and uncertainty characterization.
• Use SWOOSH, SAGE III/ISS, and complementary data sets for improved quantification and process level understanding of decadal variability and trends in stratospheric composition and circulation.
• Performs other relevant duties as necessary (Not to exceed 5%)

What You Should Know

• This is a 2-year position with the possibility for extension.
• 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.
• If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access. Non-U.S. citizens without green cards may have limited building access and may require an escort within the facility.
• The selected candidate must provide proof of dissertation submission and successful defense prior to their start date.

What We Can Offer

• 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.
• Relocation funds are available to help offset expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• The University of Colorado Boulder offers 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 will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be collaborative. Be professional. Be Boulder.
What We Require

• PhD in atmospheric science or a related field is required.
• The selected candidate must provide proof of PhD dissertation submission and successful defense prior to their start date.
• Experience with atmospheric chemistry, radiation or dynamics is required.
• Experience with statistics and numerical modeling is required.

What You Will Need

• Expertise with satellite and model data analysis.
• Computer programming skills in python, IDL or another scientific programming language.
• Strong ability to communicate results in both written and oral form.

What We Would Like You to Have
Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Ability to rapidly learn and effectively apply new knowledge and skills.
• A strong interest in advancing scientific understanding through simulations and observations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with machine learning.

Special Instructions
To apply please submit the following materials with your application:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.

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.
The position will close June 5, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.