Research Associate or Sr. Research Associate

Summary

Job Summary

The Integrated Remote and In Situ Sensing (IRISS) team at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a full-time Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to serve as the Associate Director for Science. This leadership role is designed for an innovative and experienced scientist who is a recognized leader in lower-atmospheric sampling and is passionate about advancing atmospheric science through the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).

Positioned at the intersection of Aerospace Engineering and Atmospheric Science, this role strengthens IRISS’s reputation as a global leader in deploying UAS for atmospheric research. The Associate Director for Science will balance responsibilities in measurement system innovation, data product reliability and quality, project development, and scientific analysis of field campaign results. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the IRISS Director, Associate Director for Engineering, and the broader team to ensure the program’s long-term stability, growth, and impact. This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The University of Colorado, Boulder crafted the Grand Challenge to cultivate partnerships with government and industry to pursue solutions for pressing challenges facing our world today. The Integrated Remote and In Situ Sensing (IRISS) initiative is a pillar of the CU Boulder Grand Challenge and provides 4D measurement capabilities to study phenomena at a distance and from within. IRISS captures data from the natural world using ground sensors, remote aircraft, spacecraft, and other sensor systems. This information can be used to reveal valuable insight about myriad events like climate fluctuations, drought conditions, and forest dieback.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

IRISS will be searching for a Research Associate and SR. Research Associate, pending qualifications of applicants...

Responsibilities of Research Associate : Conduct innovative research and analysis of data collected from field campaigns; Foster innovation in measurement systems while ensuring data reliability and quality; Mentor early-career researchers and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence; Support the strategic direction and operational stability of the IRISS team in collaboration with leadership.

Responsibilities of Senior Research Associate include all of the above as well as : Write proposals as PI, manage the science and data analysis with collaborators, and lead science proposals.

What We Can Offer

• The salary range for the Research Associate position is $100,000 - $125,000 annually.
• The salary range for the Senior Research Associate position is $125,000 - $160,000 annually.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
  
  

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent 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 .

Be Statements

Be excited. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, or a related field
• A recognized leader in atmospheric sampling, particularly using UAS
• Proven track record of impactful research, peer-reviewed publications, and external funding
• Experience with field deployments and data analysis in atmospheric science
  
  

To be considered for the Senior Research Associate position, candidates should have a record of outstanding research in their field, and; (a) minimum of three years’ experience as a Postdoc and three years’ experience as a Research Associate or equivalent, or a minimum of six years’ experience combined; (b) an appropriate number of publications for their field and level of position. Promotions and hires into Senior Research Associate require approval from the Research & Innovation Office.

What You Will Need

• Experience with aircraft data, and in particular uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) data
• A broad background that allows for basic understanding of atmospheric boundary layer processes, turbulence, surface-air interactions, aerosol and cloud physics, air pollution, or atmospheric physics
• Understanding of in situ measurements, including wind sensing from moving platforms, atmospheric particle measurements, and measurement principles
• Experience with scientific data analysis and processing software (Matlab, IDL, Python) and file formats (e.g. NetCDF, Matlab)
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to supervise other IRISS personnel
• Strong desire to publish work in respected scientific journals and present at scientific conferences
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the year to support community conferences and meetings, field campaigns, and project planning workshops
  
  

What We Would Like You To Have

• Interest in potential field deployment as part of future research campaigns
  
  

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• Current Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD: 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 an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.
  
  

One letter of recommendation will be required. Please email your letters to HR Coordinator Melissa Flores at melissa.flores@colorado.edu .

Please apply by January 31, 2025 for full consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

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.