University of Colorado Boulder
CIRES Associate Director for Science
University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States, 80301
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) invites applications for the position of Associate Director for Science. The Associate Director will oversee research activities, primarily at the David Skaggs Research Center (DSRC), and lead the execution of CIRES’ institutional science programs. This individual will manage scientific programs, address issues affecting CIRES Research Scientists and Research Associates, and represent the interests of CIRES research scientists to the Director. They will also serve as a member of the CIRES Senior Management Team (SMT) and collaborate with scientific institutions and leadership throughout the University of Colorado Boulder.
Who We Are CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in environmental science and research located at the University of Colorado Boulder. Over 900 professionals work to understand the Earth system, covering weather, climate, polar changes, air quality, water resources, and solid Earth sciences. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967 and is committed to advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
Responsibilities
Scientific and Administrative Leadership (75%)
Act as the primary scientific point of contact at the DSRC with CIRES Management.
Lead the execution and oversight of CIRES’ cooperative agreement with NOAA (Cooperative Institute for Earth System Research and Data Science - CIESRDS).
Coordinate annual NOAA Workplan updates and assist with annual reporting.
Participate in reviews, renewals, and cooperative agreement proposals.
Represent CIRES at university-level meetings and engage with campus leadership.
Collaborate with other scientific offices and university organizations (Research and Innovation Office, Sustainability Research Initiative, etc.).
Interact with the University of Colorado Boulder community to launch new initiatives and enhance existing collaborations.
CIRES Strategic Planning and Implementation
Support the Director in strategy execution and related activities.
Provide insights into scientific matters affecting CIRES scientists and operational effectiveness.
Partner with the SMT to integrate scientific priorities into administrative decision-making.
Advocate for CIRES scientific personnel across campus and NOAA.
Administration (30%)
Supervise senior scientists and administrative staff at NOAA and the university campus.
Partner with HR on career track, promotions, and signing authority.
Programmatic Oversight (10%)
Oversee the CIRES Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE).
Oversee the CIRES Access and Cultural Innovation Program (ACI).
Serve as senior management liaison to the CIRES Members' Council.
Other Services (15%)
Support proposal development and implementation.
Provide ad hoc services for CIRES and CU Boulder as required.
Qualifications
Required
PhD in environmental science or related field.
Minimum of 8 years overseeing large scientific projects and budgets.
Direct or indirect oversight of scientific and administrative personnel.
Preferred
Experience writing and leading proposals.
Experience mentoring students/scientists across career stages.
Knowledge of federal funding landscape and engagement with sponsors.
Skills and Experience
Deep understanding of research culture in academia and federal research agencies.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external partners.
Ability to assess and address needs of CIRES researchers and provide creative solutions.
Discretion, time management, and strong coordination skills.
What We Offer
Compensation range: $175,000 - $225,000 annually.
Hybrid work modality.
Robust professional development and mentorship programs.
Potential relocation funds available.
Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder, we support holistic employee well-being through medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As a Boulder County employer, CU Boulder offers a vibrant community and world-class outdoor recreation.
Salary and Compensation Annual hiring salary is $175,000 - $225,000, commensurate with education and experience. The position is classified under CIRES’ internal career track.
Application Materials
Resume or CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee, briefly describing qualifications and interest in this position.
Will be asked to provide contact information for five professional references when identified as a finalist.
Submit applications through
CU Boulder Jobs ; email is not accepted.
Expiration This position will close on
November 18, 2025 .
Legal Statement CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a respectful workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and encouraged to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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Who We Are CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in environmental science and research located at the University of Colorado Boulder. Over 900 professionals work to understand the Earth system, covering weather, climate, polar changes, air quality, water resources, and solid Earth sciences. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967 and is committed to advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
Responsibilities
Scientific and Administrative Leadership (75%)
Act as the primary scientific point of contact at the DSRC with CIRES Management.
Lead the execution and oversight of CIRES’ cooperative agreement with NOAA (Cooperative Institute for Earth System Research and Data Science - CIESRDS).
Coordinate annual NOAA Workplan updates and assist with annual reporting.
Participate in reviews, renewals, and cooperative agreement proposals.
Represent CIRES at university-level meetings and engage with campus leadership.
Collaborate with other scientific offices and university organizations (Research and Innovation Office, Sustainability Research Initiative, etc.).
Interact with the University of Colorado Boulder community to launch new initiatives and enhance existing collaborations.
CIRES Strategic Planning and Implementation
Support the Director in strategy execution and related activities.
Provide insights into scientific matters affecting CIRES scientists and operational effectiveness.
Partner with the SMT to integrate scientific priorities into administrative decision-making.
Advocate for CIRES scientific personnel across campus and NOAA.
Administration (30%)
Supervise senior scientists and administrative staff at NOAA and the university campus.
Partner with HR on career track, promotions, and signing authority.
Programmatic Oversight (10%)
Oversee the CIRES Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE).
Oversee the CIRES Access and Cultural Innovation Program (ACI).
Serve as senior management liaison to the CIRES Members' Council.
Other Services (15%)
Support proposal development and implementation.
Provide ad hoc services for CIRES and CU Boulder as required.
Qualifications
Required
PhD in environmental science or related field.
Minimum of 8 years overseeing large scientific projects and budgets.
Direct or indirect oversight of scientific and administrative personnel.
Preferred
Experience writing and leading proposals.
Experience mentoring students/scientists across career stages.
Knowledge of federal funding landscape and engagement with sponsors.
Skills and Experience
Deep understanding of research culture in academia and federal research agencies.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external partners.
Ability to assess and address needs of CIRES researchers and provide creative solutions.
Discretion, time management, and strong coordination skills.
What We Offer
Compensation range: $175,000 - $225,000 annually.
Hybrid work modality.
Robust professional development and mentorship programs.
Potential relocation funds available.
Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder, we support holistic employee well-being through medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As a Boulder County employer, CU Boulder offers a vibrant community and world-class outdoor recreation.
Salary and Compensation Annual hiring salary is $175,000 - $225,000, commensurate with education and experience. The position is classified under CIRES’ internal career track.
Application Materials
Resume or CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee, briefly describing qualifications and interest in this position.
Will be asked to provide contact information for five professional references when identified as a finalist.
Submit applications through
CU Boulder Jobs ; email is not accepted.
Expiration This position will close on
November 18, 2025 .
Legal Statement CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a respectful workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and encouraged to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr