Professional Research Assistant

Job Summary

Support research identifying neuronal control of stress-related behavior.

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

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is composed of Faculty, Staff, Research Assistants, Graduate Students, and Undergraduate Students. Through teaching, learning, research, and community outreach, we seek to promote scholarship at the intersection of psychology and neuroscience. Driving this mission is a deep, shared commitment to improving the human condition for all people.

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is responsible for over 3,200 students in two majors and five PhD programs. Our 52 faculty teach and conduct research on topics that range from the molecular to the community level. Our work is spread across three locations (MUEN, WILD, & CINC), with an annual budget of $20 million, which includes approximately $12 million in grant-funded research and $600,000 in gift funds.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Responsibilities include managing mouse colony, stereotaxic injection, behavioral experimentation, imaging, managing students and experiments, analysis, ordering and inventorying, ensuring compliance, and general lab management.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this full-time position is $44,000.

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 creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related scientific field. It is expected that the candidate is highly motivated and will extensively collaborate with other lab members. Must have excellent organizational, oral, and written scientific communication skills.

What You Will Need

The ideal candidate has experience in mouse conditioning and behavior, mouse breeding, or neuroscience laboratory techniques (e.g., brain tissue sectioning and processing, fluorescent imaging, mouse genotyping, stereotaxic surgery, etc). Familiarity with any of the typical techniques of the lab, such as electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging, fiber photometry, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, viral tract tracing, optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, and mouse behavior (e.g., self-administration, place conditioning, and stress) is desired.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. (optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree

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 be asked to enter contact information for one reference who will be asked to provide a letter of recommendation immediately after you apply.

For full consideration, please apply by June 16, 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.