Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS) at the University of Maryland College Park is seeking a Faculty Assistant to support atmospheric chemistry and air quality research at NOAA’s Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) in College Park, MD. The successful candidate will play a key role in instrument research and development, calibration and engineering, and deployment, as well as data acquisition, analysis, and collaboration with NOAA scientists and partners.

The Faculty Assistant will:
1. Advance Atmospheric Measurement Methodologies – Participate in the calibration and characterization of state-of-the-art optical gas analyzers (e.g., chemiluminescence, pulsed fluorescence, UV/IR absorption, cavity ringdown, and broadband cavity-enhanced spectrometry). Investigate sources of measurement uncertainty and contribute to the development of improved calibration strategies.

2. Contribute to Instrument Development for Field Research – Support the design, laboratory testing, and field integration of novel atmospheric measurement systems on mobile and airborne platforms, including a next-generation 4-channel Broadband Cavity-Enhanced Spectrometry (BBCES) instrument for NO, NO₂, NOy, and O₃. Collaborate with ARL and colleagues from other NOAA Laboratory researchers to optimize optical, flow, electrical, and data acquisition subsystems for mobile and
airborne deployments.

3. Develop and Apply Research Software Tools – Create and adapt scientific software for data acquisition, quality assurance, and instrument control using programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, Matlab, C, and LabVIEW. Innovate computational approaches to ensure robust data integrity, automated workflows, and adaptability for evolving research platforms.

4. Support UrbanNet Meteorological Monitoring – Assist with expanding and operating the UrbanNet observational network in the Washington, D.C.–Maryland region, as well as in focused periodic (usually annually) field campaigns in other parts of the country. Participate in the deployment of new sites, trouble shooting of meteorological instrumentation, integration and calibration of atmospheric and meteorological sensors, and evaluation of high-resolution datasets for urban air quality
research.

5. Perform Data Analysis and Contribute to Scientific Publications – Conduct advanced data analysis, including calibration refinement, background correction, and statistical evaluation of atmospheric measurements at high temporal resolution. Prepare publication-ready datasets, co-author manuscripts, and contribute to technical reports supporting NOAA’s air quality and climate research missions.

6. Engage in Scientific Collaboration – Work closely with NOAA, university, and federal research partners to support instrument innovation and field campaigns. Contribute to the design and evaluation of measurement strategies, present results to collaborators, and assist in disseminating research outcomes to the broader scientific community.

Qualifications:
● U.S. citizen.
● Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Atmospheric Science, Electrical or other Engineering, or a related field.
● Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation, electronics, optics, or atmospheric measurements.
● Proficiency in scientific programming as noted above for data visualization and analysis.
● Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including, with the handling and processing of large scientific datasets.
● Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Physical Demands: Sedentary and laboratory work.


Preferences: N/A


Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

CMNS-Atmospheric & Oceanic Science

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

80,000 - 100,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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