New

CIRES/Fierer Lab Temporary Researcher

University of Colorado
vacation time, sick time
United States, Colorado, Boulder
Sep 28, 2026
Requisition Number: 75090 Location: Boulder, Colorado City Boulder State Colorado Employment Type: Research Faculty Schedule: On-Call Posting Close Date: 30-Sep-2026 Date Posted: 28-Sep-2026 Close All Job Summary The employee will lead analyses for a funded research project focused on the aerobiome, examining the spatial and temporal distribution of microorganisms in the near-surface atmosphere. The research will investigate the potential impacts of airborne microorganisms on public health, including pathogens and allergens, and agricultural health, including plant pathogens. This work sits at the intersection of biosurveillance and biodiversity monitoring and will explore how atmospheric DNA signals can provide actionable insights into the distribution and potential impacts of airborne microorganisms. The project builds on previous research conducted by the Fierer Lab. 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. Who We Are At CIRES, more than 750 people work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. An institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, we have partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 1967. Our areas of expertise include weather and climate, wildfire and water, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our researchers work in 10 CU Boulder departments and eight NOAA laboratories and centers. The Fierer Lab explores the distribution and roles of microscopic organisms in diverse environments and the relevance of microbes to the health and function of ecosystems, plants, and animals (including humans). The Fierer Lab routinely uses DNA-based approaches to investigate the amounts and types of microorganisms found in environmental samples. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Manage project logistics. Conduct bioinformatic analyses to process DNA sequence data. Test and validate pipelines for taxonomic assignments. Conduct downstream data analyses to quantify spatial and temporal patterns in microbial assemblages. Use advanced statistical approaches to specifically determine how taxa of interest (including human/plant pathogens) vary geographically. Contribute to the preparation of a peer-reviewed manuscript for dissemination of research results. Prepare regular research updates for project funders. Compile summarized results to share with staff at National Park Service sites across the US. What You Should Know This appointment is not eligible for vacation leave, holidays, annual merit pay increases, nor employee health, retirement, or related benefits, except those required by law. This appointment will accrue 0.034 hours of sick leave for every hour worked. The hours for this position may vary and are not guaranteed. This temporary position cannot extend past a maximum of 12 months. What We Can Offer The hourly rate for this position is $36.06 per hour. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Benefits Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave. Be Statements Be engaged. Be inspired. Be Boulder. What We Require PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Experience with the laboratory and bioinformatic methods used in the Fierer Lab Group. What You Will Need Expertise in handling complex DNA sequence datasets. Extensive experience analyzing and interpreting data from environmental DNA surveys, including those from airborne bioaerosol collections. Expertise in visualizing and statistical analyses of complex datasets. Knowledge of the atmosphere as a microbial environment. Experience running large biodiversity surveys and collating the relevant meta-data that integrates the DNA-based information with corresponding meta-data. Experience communicating research results through both formal and informal channels. Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials: Resume or CV. 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 a translated version as an optional attachment. Please apply by September 30, 2026 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.