CIRES/ CSL Stratospheric Modeling and Analysis (SMA) Program, Temporary Researcher

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 68,000 - 88,000; Part time

Job summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder welcomes applications for a Temporary Researcher to join the Stratospheric Modeling and Analysis (SMA) Program of NOAA's CSL in Boulder, Colorado. You will work on space-activity related aerosols, satellites, and modeling in a high-performance computing environment.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in atmospheric science with expertise in rocket emissions, satellite re-entry simulations,

Qualifications

• PhD required in atmospheric science or related field.
• Extensive experience in space-activity impact research.
• Expertise in aerosol physics, atmospheric chemistry, and radiative-process dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Investigate space activity impacts and aerosols effects on upper atmosphere.
• Analyze satellite and model datasets to track aerosols and debris.
• Design simulations of rocket emissions and satellite re-entry using aerosol physics and modeling.
• Advise SMA team on space-activity impact science.
• Mentor early-career researchers on the team.
• Other duties as necessary.

Skills

Space activity impacts

Aerosol physics

Atmospheric chemistry

Numerical modeling

Mentoring

Education

PhD in atmospheric science

Job description

Requisition Number:

74971

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Part-Time

Posting Close Date:

25-Sep-2026

Date Posted:

23-Sep-2026

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado welcomes applications for a Temporary Researcher 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 investigate how aerosols from rocket emissions and satellite re-entry affect our atmosphere. This project will involve work with large satellite and model data sets, chemistry-climate modeling in a supercomputing environment, aerosol and debris tracking, simulation of rocket emissions and satellite reentry events, and assessment of the impact of space activity on the upper atmosphere and stratosphere.

We seek a person with extensive 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 reentry simulations, aerosol physics, statistics, atmospheric chemistry/radiation/dynamics, numerical modeling, and computer programming. While few candidates will possess every desirable skill, we prioritize applicants who have specialized expertise in the area of space activity impacts on the atmosphere, an eagerness to advance scientific understanding using simulations and observations, and a willingness to serve as an early-career mentor and scientific advisor to the team.

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, the Cooperative Institute for Research In Environmental Sciences, 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

• Investigate Space Activity Impacts and determine how aerosols from rocket emissions and satellite re-entry events affect the upper atmosphere and stratosphere. 20%


• Analyze and interpret large-scale satellite and model datasets to track atmospheric aerosols and space debris. 20%


• Design simulations specifically focused on rocket emissions and satellite re-entry events using applied aerosol physics and numerical modeling. 10%


• Act as a subject matter expert and scientific advisor to the broader SMA team, specifically regarding space activity impacts on the atmosphere. 25%


• Serve as a dedicated mentor to guide and develop early-career researchers on the team. 20%


• Performs other duties as necessary. 5%

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.

What We Can Offer

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $48.56 - $64.42/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 engaged. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD degree in atmospheric, climate and global change research. Minimum of 20 years of experience in related fields.

What You Will Need

• Strong knowledge of the impact of space activity (such as rocket emissions and satellite re-entry) on the atmosphere.


• Ability to serve as a scientific advisor and dedicate time to mentoring early-career scientists on the team.


• Strong leadership and connections to the broader international science community in related fields.

What We Would Like You to Have

• A strong background in aerosol physics, atmospheric chemistry, stratospheric dynamics, and radiation.


• Experience conducting simulations focused on satellite re-entry and aerosol/debris tracking.