CIRES Associate Director for Science

CIRES Associate Director for Science

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) invites applications for the position of Associate Director for Science to oversee research activities within CIRES, primarily at the David Skaggs Research Center (DSRC), and to oversee its institutional science programs. The Associate Director for Science will be responsible for the effective management and execution of scientific programs, understanding and addressing issues that affect CIRES Research Scientists and Research Associates, particularly those working with the federal employees at the David Skaggs Research Center, and representing the interests of CIRES research scientists to the Director. This position supervises others and reports to the CIRES Director. The Associate Director for Science also serves as a member of the CIRES Senior Management Team (SMT) and collaborates with other scientific institutions and leadership throughout the University of Colorado Boulder. 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 workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

CIRES (cires.colorado.edu) is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Scientific and Administrative Leadership (75%)

• University and NOAA Science Engagement and Collaboration
• Act as the primary scientific point of contact at the DSRC to the CIRES Management.
• Play a key leadership role in the execution and oversight of CIRES' cooperative agreement with NOAA (Cooperative Institute for Earth System Research and Data Science - CIESRDS).
• Support the coordination of the annual NOAA Workplan updates and assist with annual reporting.
• Play leadership roles in reviews, renewals, and cooperative agreement proposals.
• Represent CIRES, as needed, at university-level meetings and functions, and engage with leadership across campus.
• Collaborate with other scientific offices and organizations on campus (Research and Innovation Office, Sustainability Research Initiative, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, Institute of Behavioral Science, etc.) as needed.
• Interact with members of the University of Colorado Boulder community to find opportunities to launch new scientific initiatives and enhance existing collaborations.
• CIRES Strategic Planning and Implementation
• Support the CIRES Director in the successful execution of strategy, planning, and related activities.
• Provide the Director with well-informed insights into scientific matters that affect CIRES scientists, as well as administrative issues impacting operational effectiveness.
• Partner with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to ensure the scientific priorities are integrated into administrative decision-making, and work with the Administration to address evolving needs.
• Help develop and maintain a productive work environment for CIRES scientific personnel on campus and at NOAA, working to understand their interests and advocating on their behalf to the CIRES leadership team.
• Administration
• Supervise senior scientists and administrative personnel housed at NOAA, as well as administrative staff located on the university campus.
• Partner with HR on matters related to : Career Track, Promotions, and Signing authority on HR actions.
• 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 CIRES Members' Council.
• Other services and actions to support CIRES science (15%)
• Support proposal development and implementation.
• Perform ad hoc service for CIRES and CU Boulder as needed.

What You Should Know

Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Candidates working in the United States through a visa or a work permit or needing visa sponsorship now or in the future are not eligible for hire in this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, in Boulder, CO. The Associate Director for Science will also be expected to spend significant time at the David Skaggs Research Center NOAA federal facility. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.

What We Can Offer

CIRES offers a generous compensation package. The annual hiring salary range for this position is $175,000 - $225,000. Salary will be commensurate with education and years of experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification. Some relocation funds are available for this position to offset moving expenses following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures. This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality. CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program. Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News. As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be brilliant. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Requires a PhD (environmental and related science / engineering). Requires a minimum of 8 years of experience overseeing and managing large scientific projects, programs and budgets, as well as direct or indirect oversight of scientific and administrative personnel.

What You Will Need

A comprehensive understanding of research functions and culture in an academic environment. A comprehensive understanding of research functions and culture in a mission oriented federal research agency environment. Ability to interact effectively with scientists and scientific leaders both on the academic side at the University of Colorado Boulder, and on the federal side, including at NOAA's David Skaggs Research Center. Ability to develop strong relationships with CIRES staff and other colleagues, and with external partners and collaborators. Ability to represent and advocate for diverse scientific capabilities and interests. Ability to assess and understand the needs of CIRES researchers, and support effective and creative responses to those needs. Ability to effectively manage time. Discretion. Strong communications skills. Understanding of career progress for scientists, technicians and engineers.

Special Instructions

Please include the following materials with your application : 1. Resume or CV. 2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position. 3. Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee. This position will close November 18, 2025. 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.