Job Description

The University of Montana invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate for the Atmospheric Chemistry Group in Chemistry The ideal start date is between July 1, 2026, and January 2, 2027.

This position will lead studies of the chemistry and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aerosols, and oxidants in biomass-burning-impacted environments and in the urban atmosphere. This position is expected to support 1) the development of new observational constraints on VOC emissions via aircraft and mobile measurements, 2) characterization of proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) measurements for emerging air pollutants, 3) data analysis of smoke and urban observations from previous field campaigns, and/or 4) box and 3D atmospheric modeling of the chemical impacts of urban/fire-related VOCs. The position will also provide opportunities to play a leadership role in planning, overseeing, and implementing ongoing and future field campaigns.

About the Atmospheric Chemistry Group (Click on the link below to learn more)

• https://www.umt.edu/atmoschem/

About the University of Montana

UM is the fastest growing flagship university in Montana with over 10,000 students and is a national leader in access, especially for first-generation and low-income students. Our mission is inclusive prosperity and to transform lives by providing a high-quality and accessible education and by generating world-class research and creative scholarship in an exceptional place. We integrate the liberal arts and sciences into undergraduate, graduate and professional studies to shape global citizens who are creative and agile learners committed to expanding the boundaries of knowledge and to building and sustaining diverse communities.

About Missoula and Montana

• Destination Missoula
• Visit Montana

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• See intellectually and technically complex projects through to their conclusion, which will involve developing methodological approaches and reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data and results from the project
• Exhibit independent decision making in designing and implementing strategies for achieving shared research goals
• Write papers for publication based on research, compose projects reports and contribute to grant applications; present at seminars and national meetings; and participate in research group meetings that may include oral and/or written brief reports
• May supervise research personnel including undergraduate and/or graduate students, providing training and guidance with regard to specific techniques
• May assist students in their research efforts, acting as a resource and a mentor

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric chemistry or a relevant field
• Demonstrated experience of excellent research capabilities required to carry out innovative and insightful research
• Ability to identify, analyze and summarize relevant literature
• Ability to devise and articulate a research plan with defined goals, and design sound experimental strategies with appropriate controls
• Proven record and ability to produce research to a high publication standard
• Ability to learn and apply new skills appropriate to conduct necessary research
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory environments
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
• Ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Ability to maintain a safe working and learning environment
• Ability to achieve project goals within time and budget
• Strong theoretical and empirical background

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong publication records in a relevant field
• Substantial experience in advanced data analysis using statistical programming (e.g., R, MATLAB, IDL, or Python)
• Expertise in advanced mass spectrometry, such as PTR-ToF-MS, experience in FTIR, NOx, O3, and PAX (aerosol optics), or in atmospheric modeling research

Application Instructions

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, twelve (12) month, Letter of Appointment* and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Payrate is between $52,000 and $57,000.

*LOA is renewable for a second year based on job performance and funding availability.

Screening of applications will begin after the priority closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:

• Letter of Interest – addressing stated required skills, research interests, experience, career goals, and interest in position
• Detailed CV – listing education and research work experience
• Three (3) professional references – Names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.