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CIRES / NOAA GSL Atmospheric Composition Modeler Post-Doctoral Associate

**Requisition Number:** 67650

**Location:** Boulder Colorado

**Employment Type:** Research Faculty

**Schedule:** Full Time

**Posting Close Date:** 08-Oct-2025

Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (https://apptrkr.com/get\_redirect.php?id=6626043&targetURL=http://cires.colorado.edu/) (CIRES) in Boulder, Colorado and the NOAA Global System Laboratory (GSL) have an immediate opening for a postdoctoral associate with experience in atmospheric physics and chemistry, numerical weather prediction and/or air quality modeling to conduct high-resolution regional modeling of aerosol transport, evolution, chemistry and aerosol-weather interactions by primarily focusing on wildfire smoke episodes over North America. The postdoctoral associate will also develop and support state-of-the-art coupled air quality and fire weather models developed at NOAA/GSL. The scientist will have an appointment within the Atmospheric Composition branch of Earth Prediction Advancement Division (EPAD) of GSL.

EPAD has been leading the development of regional and global aerosol and air quality forecast models in collaboration with other laboratories and universities over many years. One of these models is the meteorology-chemistry model Weather Research and Forecast coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem), which has been widely used in a wide range of atmospheric composition modeling applications around the world. The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh coupled with Smoke (HRRR-Smoke), which is based on the WRF-Chem framework, is currently NOAA's operational model. This model forecasts smoke from wildland fires and its impact on radiation [rapidrefresh.noaa.gov/hrrr/HRRRsmoke/ (https://apptrkr.com/get\_redirect.php?id=6626043&targetURL=http://rapidrefresh.noaa.gov/hrrr/HRRRsmoke/) ].

The coupled meteorology-chemistry models developed at GSL allow simulating complex gas/aerosol chemistry, aerosol-meteorology interactions on regional and global scales. Currently GSL/EPAD in collaboration with other groups is leading the development and testing of new aerosol and fire weather forecasting models coupled to Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS). This model is being tested in real time at 3km resolution over the contiguous US [https://rapidrefresh.noaa.gov/MPAS-Aerosols (https://apptrkr.com/get\_redirect.php?id=6626043&targetURL=https://rapidrefresh.noaa.gov/MPAS-Aerosols) ].

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 (https://cires.colorado.edu/) 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 Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) (https://gsl.noaa.gov/) is one of ten NOAA Research laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. GSL researchers develop state-of-the-art weather and air quality models, state-of-the-science decision support tools and visualization systems,

and use high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation. GSL strives to advance its workforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We are also committed to increasing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility as well as a strong foundation for career growth.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

+ Conduct MPAS-Aerosols simulations for fire/smoke and other pollution episodes (40%).

+ Implement and test new parameterizations for aerosol transport and chemistry, and aerosol-radiation-cloud interactions in the regional MPAS model (30%).

+ Evaluate the model simulations using atmospheric data from NOAA's field campaigns, in-situ and remote sensing monitoring networks and satellites (e.g. TEMPO, PACE) (20%).

+ Participate in developer meetings, and contribute to project reports, assist stakeholders (5%).

+ Present research findings in peer-reviewed publications and conferences (5%).

What You Should Know

+ This is a 2-year term position with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds.

+ Given project deliverables, candidates must be able to start work by January 1, 2026.

+ This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the NOAA Global Systems Laboratory located within the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.

+ 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 require an escort in the building.

What We Can Offer

+ CIRES offers a generous compensation package.

+ The annual hiring salary range for this position is $65,000- $70,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career-track classification.

+ Some 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 with work in the office 3 days a week.

+ CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.

+ Boulder (https://bouldercolorado.gov/) 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, (https://www.rtd-denver.com/) an outstanding network of buses, and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits (https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/about) .

Be Statements

Be curious. Be informed. Be Boulder.

What We Require

+ PhD degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Math, or a related research area.

+ Experience in working with atmospheric models, aerosol and physics parameterizations.

What You Will Need

+ Excellent programming (Fortran, Python or another language) and scripting skills.

+ Expertise with Linux and UNIX operating systems.

+ Excellent oral/written communication skills in English.

+ Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

+ At least two first-author publications in relevant topics in peer-reviewed journals.

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. Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for professional references (name, title, professional relationship, email) who may be contacted on your behalf. If you are selected as a finalist for this role, 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.

Please apply by **October 8, 2025** , for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs (https://jobs.colorado.edu/) .

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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NOAA-GSL-Atmospheric-Composition-Modeler-Post-Doctoral-Associate/67650 (https://apptrkr.com/6626043)

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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.