Scientists In Parks Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
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.
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 Atmospheric Composition Modeling Program within NOAA's Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) conducts research on atmospheric composition and its controlling processes aimed at improving models of air quality, weather prediction and reanalysis. Researchers use atmospheric models and observations collected on the ground, in the air, and from space to develop and evaluate innovative ways of describing and simulating the emissions, transport, and chemical evolution of atmospheric gases and aerosols at regional to global scales.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• 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%).

What You Should Know

• This is a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension.
• Candidates must be able to successfully complete federal clearance and start work by October 1, 2026.
• This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Given project deliverables and the need for federal clearance, candidates working in the U.S through a visa or working permit are not eligible for this role.
• 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.
• Domestic or international conference travel is required for approximately 1-3 times per year.
• Occasional field campaign support may be required for approximately 1-2 times per year.

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.
• 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.

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.
What We Require

• 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.

What You Will Need

• 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.

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.

• 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.

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:

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. If you are identified as a finalist, the search committee will request a letter of 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.
This position will close August 28, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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.