Doctoral Associate or Research Scientist in Quantitative Analysis of Landfill Methane Emissions

About the Role

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL), seeks a Post-doctoral Associate or Research Scientist 1 to join the Tropospheric Chemistry Program. This role will focus on the quantitative analysis of landfill methane emissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on methane emissions and atmospheric chemistry associated with waste-sector sources, particularly landfills, by analyzing airborne, ground-based, mobile, and in-situ and remote sensing atmospheric datasets.
• Develop and apply methods to quantify greenhouse gas emissions fluxes, evaluate measurement uncertainties, and improve source attribution.
• For Research Scientist level candidates: Contribute to the formulation and execution of research directions within the Tropospheric Chemistry Program.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at national and international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, proposals, and other research products.
• Participate in occasional domestic travel associated with scientific meetings, workshops, and collaborative activities.
• Collaborate with NOAA and CIRES scientists to interpret results, develop new research approaches, and contribute to ongoing research initiatives.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science, chemistry, physics, environmental engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the start date.
• Experience conducting original research, including the analysis and interpretation of atmospheric observations and the communication of scientific results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Expertise in quantitative analysis and interpretation of atmospheric observations.
• General knowledge of atmospheric composition, atmospheric chemistry, and related air quality and climate research.
• Proficiency with scientific data analysis and visualization software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, or IGOR) and standard presentation/publications tools (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, self-motivated research while contributing effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience analyzing airborne, mobile, or satellite remote sensing observations.
• Experience with greenhouse gas emissions quantification and emissions inventories.
• Familiarity with atmospheric transport, inverse modeling, or mass balance approaches for emissions estimation.
• Experience working with large datasets of atmospheric observations from field campaigns and monitoring networks.
• Experience with methane and other trace gas measurements, atmospheric chemistry, or waste sector emissions research.

About the Position

• This is a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension.
• The targeted start date is February 1, 2027.
• Candidates must be authorized to work full-time and pass a federal clearance background check by the start date.
• This position will be physically situated at the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.