Data Analyst

About the Unit

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University is a multi-million dollar research organization located on CSU's Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. As a cooperative institute and research department within the College of Engineering, CIRA partners with the Department of Atmospheric Science to conduct interdisciplinary research in the atmospheric sciences. Our vision is to bridge meteorological disciplines with engineering and computer science, facilitating the transition from pure to applied research while leveraging national and international partnerships.

Our mission serves as a nexus for multi-disciplinary cooperation among CIRA and NOAA research scientists, university faculty, staff, and students. We focus on NOAA-specified research themes in satellite applications for weather and climate forecasting. Key elements of our work include communicating findings to the international scientific community, transitioning capabilities to NOAA operational users, and developing education and outreach programs to enhance environmental literacy and quantify the societal impacts of research.

About the Role

CIRA seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to support collaborative research with the National Park Service (NPS) Air Resources Division (ARD). The ARD is responsible for protecting visual air quality and related values in over 100 national park units, managing networks of air quality monitors and conducting in-depth studies on pollutant levels and origins.

This 12-month fellowship (with an option to renew) offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of atmospheric science and environmental policy. You will report to the project Principal Investigator and collaborate with both CIRA and NPS researchers in the Fort Collins office. Your work will directly support the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) visibility network and the EPA's Regional Haze Rule (RHR). Day-to-day activities involve analyzing aerosol and visibility data, utilizing dispersion and chemical transport models for diagnostics, and exploring the application of AI and machine learning methods to optimize monitoring networks. This role is designed to foster independent research skills while contributing to scientific studies that serve the NPS-ARD mission.

Hiring Process & Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online portal; materials sent via email will not be accepted. To be considered, your resume must specifically address all required and preferred qualifications within the body of your work experience descriptions. Additionally, a cover letter is mandatory; generic or missing cover letters may result in disqualification.

The process includes a review by the search committee, followed by requests for references for finalists. References will not be contacted without prior notification of the candidate. Successful candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as CIRA does not sponsor visas for this position. This role requires onsite presence to facilitate significant collaboration with on-site teams.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, CSU is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service, and extension. We strive to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for all faculty, staff, volunteers, and students.