CIRES/ NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, Carbon Cycle Modeling Post-Doctoral Associate
University of Colorado Boulder
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) in Boulder, Colorado, announce an opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Associate to improve land carbon cycle modeling using atmospheric carbon cycle observations and satellite data constraints. This position involves using atmospheric carbon cycle observations (e.g. carbon dioxide and its carbon-13 isotopologue, and carbonyl sulfide) and satellite remote sensing data (e.g. land surface temperature, solar induced fluorescence) to evaluate and optimize parameter selection in land carbon cycle models. The goal of this research is to optimize land carbon cycle models for drought monitoring and forecasting hydroclimate in the western United States, and is funded through the NOAA Modeling, Analysis, Predictions and Projections program. The successful candidate will work on a NOAA MAPP Drought research grant and interact closely with principal investigators in the Carbon Cycle and Greenhouse Gases group at the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory and at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Who We Are
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 Monitoring Laboratory (GML) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducts research that addresses three major climate challenges: greenhouse gas emissions and carbon cycle feedbacks; changes in clouds, aerosols, and surface radiation; and recovery of stratospheric ozone. NOAA/GML operates staffed atmospheric baseline observatories from which numerous in situ and remote atmospheric and solar measurements are conducted. The overall scientific programs and administrative functions of the observatories are handled from Boulder with on-site staff caring for day-to-day station activities.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- (80%) Develop a Bayesian framework to evaluate an ensemble of land carbon cycle simulations to evaluate parameter choices influencing carbon uptake and release for plant-drought interactions. This will involve:
- Preparing remote sensing and in situ data for use in a Bayesian modeling system, including consideration of measurement and model uncertainty in the construction of cost functions.
- Designing and executing model experiments aimed at understanding constraints imposed by different types of observations at various spatial and temporal scales.
- (10%) Lead and contribute to the publication of research results in the peer-reviewed literature.
- (10%) Present research findings at national and international conferences.
What You Should Know
- This position has funding for 2 years, pending sponsor approval of an award end date extension after 8/31/2026.
- This is a hybrid position which will require in-person work as well as offer some opportunity for remote work.
- The targeted start date for this appointment is November 1st, 2025.
- This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, but will be located at the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO.
- 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 can offer 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.
- 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 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
Be Statements
What We Require
- A Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Earth System Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience with numerical modeling, preferably on high-performance computing systems.
- Demonstrated experience with analyzing and visualizing large datasets using scientific programming languages such as MATLAB, Python or R.
What You Will Need
- Ability to critically interpret and diagnose model output.
- Skill in manipulation and analysis of large and complex observational and model datasets.
- Familiarity with both compiled and high-level programming languages.
- Ability to work as part of an inclusive and productive team as well as the ability to formulate independent ideas.
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 working with biosphere models and data assimilation techniques.
- Experience with programming in Fortran.
- Knowledge of Bayesian and ensemble Kalman filter techniques.
- An interest in investigating ways to improve our knowledge of the land carbon cycle and to exploit multiple observational constraints for drought monitoring and prediction.
- Experience in publishing peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and presenting research findings at scientific conferences.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and how this position aligns with your research interests.
- Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to submit information for 5 professional references (must include at least 2 supervisors or professors). If you are identified as a finalist for this role, 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 search committee members.
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 on October 2, 2025.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder.