LEAF Professional Research Assistant

Job Summary

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

EBIO's disciplinary strengths include ecology, evolution, genetics, behavior, biology education research and systematics. Our research programs have relevance for global change, conservation biology, the spread of diseases, and revealing fundamental mechanisms underlying the structural and functional adaptations of organisms.

Research Areas

Our faculty specialize in many fields of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Interested in learning more? Visit the various research interests of our faculty.

In the Field

Our faculty, students and researchers travel the world to conduct research in ecology and evolution. Learn more about their experiences and stories in our In the Field articles.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Plant cultivation of Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana under exposure to UV stress
• Measurement of plant growth, photosynthesis, and photochemical efficiency
• Working as a member of the NASA-sponsored LEAF project
• Data processing and preparation for communication to collaborators and via publication
• Assessment of leaf reflectance and development of leaf reflectance indices that can be used to track plant productivity under stress after identifying Possible correlations with growth parameters, photosynthesis, and photochemical efficiency as assessed from chlorophyll fluorescence.
• Method development, programming, and use of advanced statistical methods.

What You Should Know

• This position is six months at 75% time, plus seven months at 50%.

What We Can Offer

We offer an appointment of 75% of an annual salary of $58,000 for 6 months, followed by an appointment of 50% of the same annual salary of $58,000 for 7 months.

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 ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• BA and Master's degree
• Documented experience is required with
  • Plant cultivation, specifically two lines of Brassica rapa as well as Arabidopsis thaliana wild type, under exposure to UV stress
  • Measurement of plant growth, photosynthesis, and photochemical efficiency
  • Working as a member of the NASA-sponsored LEAF project
  • Data processing and preparation for communication to collaborators and via publication
  • Assessment of leaf reflectance and development of leaf reflectance indices that can be used to track plant productivity under stress after identifying possible correlations with growth parameters, photosynthesis, and photochemical efficiency as assessed from chlorophyll fluorescence.
  • Method development, programming, and use of advanced statistical methods.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

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 (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

For consideration, please apply by January 9th, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu