Associate Scientist in Atmospheric Instrumentation and Balloon Operations

About the Role

The Cooperative Institute for Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking an Associate Scientist to join NOAA's Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, Colorado. This role supports the Atmospheric Composition and Chemical Processes (ACCP) program, focusing on developing, characterizing, and deploying advanced instrumentation for atmospheric trace gas and aerosol measurements. You will specifically support the Balloon Baseline Stratospheric Aerosol Profiles (B2SAP) observing team, contributing to routine balloon-borne measurements of stratospheric aerosol properties.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain, and integrate balloon-borne scientific instrumentation (70%)
• Test, calibrate, and modify the Portable Optical Particle Spectrometer (POPS) instrument for stratospheric measurements.
• Monitor and evaluate instrument performance and measurement quality.
• Maintain instrument readiness, test manuals, and support quality assurance/control procedures.
• Maintain user documentation, instrument records, and operational protocols.
• Support balloon launches, field operations, and instrument recovery (20%)
• Participate in preflight preparation, payload testing, launch execution, real-time monitoring, and postflight assessment.
• Support instrument recovery operations and coordinate field activity logistics.
• Test flown instrumentation and retest/recalibrate for subsequent flights.
• Assist with intensive field operations involving additional instruments and potential remote launches.
• Support and strengthen B2SAP partner stations (10%)
• Provide hands-on technical support, instrument maintenance, and operator training at domestic and international launch sites.
• Work with local collaborators to improve launch procedures and establish reliable operational workflows.
• Provide virtual support for partner sites.
• Support the coordination, preparation, and shipment of instrumentation and supplies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hands-on experience with assembly, testing, maintenance, or troubleshooting of scientific instrumentation, electronic systems, or technical measurement equipment.
• Knowledge of scientific instrumentation and basic electronic and mechanical skills.
• Ability and willingness to participate in local routine and intensive field operations.
• Hold a full and valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel to remote US and international research locations.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in the laboratory.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, technical staff, and external partners.
• Ability to organize a schedule, follow instrumentation manuals, and maintain accurate documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, atmospheric science, chemistry, or a closely related field.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with atmospheric measurement instrumentation, particularly aerosol spectrometers, optical particle counters, radiosondes, or balloon-borne sensors.
• Experience with balloon launches, scientific field campaigns, or remote observing stations.
• Experience training collaborators or developing standard operating procedures for scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with instrument calibration, quality assurance, and scientific data management.
• Experience with electronic circuits, basic laboratory skills such as soldering and drilling.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, telemetry, or embedded computing platforms.
• Experience with instrument design, mechanical fabrication, 3D printing, or computer-aided design (CAD).
• Experience with programming or data processing tools such as Python or MATLAB.

Additional Information

• This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension.
• Must be legally able to start work on a full-time basis and pass a federal background check.
• The position involves substantial hands-on laboratory and field work and requires on-site presence in Boulder, Colorado.
• Weather balloon launch and recovery activities require working outdoors, occasionally in challenging weather conditions and requiring hiking.
• Domestic and international travel will be required.
• Field deployments may last several days to a few weeks and may involve irregular schedules.
• Limited hybrid work (up to 1 day per week) may be possible when duties do not require physical presence.
• Visa sponsorship is not offered.
• Annual hiring salary range: $60,000 - $81,100.