Job SummaryThe Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) in Boulder, Colorado is seeking a Research Scientist to join the Long-term Observations of Greenhouse gases and Ozone-depleting Substances (LOGOS) Division at the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML). At GML, we are responsible for tracking atmospheric concentrations of gases that impact climate, stratospheric ozone, and human health. The Central Calibrations Laboratory (CCL) within LOGOS supports atmospheric measurements made by GML and other external programs by maintaining internationally recognized reference scales for compounds of interest.
The successful candidate will work with LOGOS and CCL staff to maintain primary reference scales and lead research efforts into improving the scales and the scale dissemination processes. Additionally, the successful candidate will be involved with improving on-going atmospheric monitoring instrumentation, quality control and data analysis with a focus on halocarbons.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be- Lead efforts to define and maintain primary reference scales designed for underpinning long-term atmospheric trace gas monitoring programs 20%
- Lead research focused on effects of materials in primary gas standard production and measurement and research into stability issues of trace gas standards stored in high pressure cylinders 20%
- Interpretive data analysis of long-term LOGOS data records focusing on halocarbons 20%
- Assist with the production and measurement of primary reference gas standards 10%
- Assist with improved data management and uncertainty propagation of reference materials distributed by the CCL 10%
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation to ensure high precision and accuracy in all analyses 10%
- Interact with GML and external scientists to further the scientific mission of GML and expand calibration capabilities as opportunity and needs arise 10%
What You Should Know- Minimal travel (less than 10% annually) may be required.
- This position will be part of CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
- If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process for site access.
- Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S on a full-time basis by the targeted start date of January 1, 2027.
- Non-US citizens without green cards will have limited building access and require a federal escort in the building.
What We Can Offer- CIRES offers a generous and comprehensive compensation package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $89,500 - $134,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
- Some relocation expenses are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
- This position requires substantial in-person laboratory work with minimal opportunities for remote work.
- 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.
BenefitsAt 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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be StatementsBe balanced. Be proactive. Be Boulder.
What We Require- PhD in a physical science such as physics, chemistry, or engineering.
- 7 years of related experience in reference material production, analytical chemistry, or calibration services.
- Experience with operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting complex instrumentation or devices.
What You Will Need- Ability to conduct independent research aligned with the GML mission.
- Strong knowledge of metrology, principles of measurement traceability, and uncertainty propagation from primary reference materials.
- Hands-on technical laboratory skills: e.g. soldering, basic electronics, and mechanical assembly.
- Detail oriented problem solving.
- Proficiency operating a computer, using programming languages and other tools to view and manipulate data.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work in a highly organized way and the ability to fully document work and progress.
- Ability to work well individually and with a team to solve problems.
What We Would Like You to HavePlease note that while the position details both required skills and desired skills, applicants do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We provide on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques used for trace gas measurements, such as laser spectroscopy, gas-chromatography, and mass spectroscopy.
- An understanding of principles associated with gas standard production and quantitative chemical analysis.
- Experience with gas handling and gas handling equipment.
- Extensive experience with troubleshooting all aspects of complex instrumentation, including electrical connections, electronics, computer systems, and computer interfaces.
- Experience with programming languages or tools used for analytical system control, data processing, and data management (e.g. Python, MySQL).
Special InstructionsTo apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing how your goals, skills, and experience fit the core responsibilities of this position. Please also describe how your broader knowledge and experiences can contribute to our organizational culture and values. (2 pages maximum.)
- 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.
Please apply by
October 11, 2026 for consideration.
For questions, please contact Andrew Crotwell at andrew.crotwell@colorado.edu.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .
