Job Summary
The Professional Research Assistant will provide research,
instructional, and laboratory support for course-based and
independent undergraduate research activities within the
department, with a particular emphasis on the MCDB 1171 and MCDB
1191 Drug Discovery course-based undergraduate research experience
(CURE) laboratories and the MCDB Skills Center.
The position will support the implementation and continuity of
research projects across these courses, including assisting with
experimental planning and troubleshooting, preparation and
maintenance of research materials and reagents, collection and
organization of research data, and training undergraduate
researchers and teaching assistants in laboratory methods, research
practices, and appropriate use of instrumentation. The Professional
Research Assistant will also assist faculty with the supervision
and mentoring of students conducting independent study and other
undergraduate research projects.
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
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department
Founded in 1968 by the pioneering cell biologist and electron
microscopist, Keith Porter, MCDB was among the first departments to
integrate molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. For
nearly 50 years, MCDB researchers have made seminal contributions
to our understanding of the structures of cells and organisms and
the molecular underpinnings of life processes. A few of these early
discoveries include: translational regulation of gene expression;
bacterial motility by rotating flagella; fine structure of plant
cell walls, tight junctions, chloroplasts, and mitotic spindles;
temperature-sensitive and maternal effect mutations in C. elegans,
and catalytic RNA.
Today, MCDB faculty and students continue this pursuit to
understand life at its most fundamental levels. But we are also
addressing many of the pressing biomedical problems facing society,
such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, blindness, neurological
and muscle disorders, infectious disease and antibiotic resistance,
and environmental destruction. Beyond making discoveries, MCDB
continues its long tradition of excellence in cultivating and
educating the next generations of research leaders, biomedical
innovators, educators, and scientifically literate citizens.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
In support of these research activities, the Professional Research Assistant will coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations for the CURE program, including supervising and supporting approximately 18–25 teaching assistants, coordinating laboratory preparation and workflows, maintaining and servicing laboratory equipment, managing reagent and supply inventories, and conducting ordering research materials. The position will work closely with faculty, teaching assistants, and undergraduate…
researchers to ensure that laboratories operate safely and efficiently and that experimental work is conducted consistently across multiple laboratory sections. Additional responsibilities may include development and refinement of experimental protocols, documentation of research and laboratory procedures, and implementation of new methods or research activities as the CURE program and Skills Center evolve.
What You Should Know
- Due to the nature of this work, the person selected for this
position is expected to work full-time August 1 through May 31,
each year with a 2-month break required every June and July. This
position is a full time during the 10 month period.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $34,000 - $45,000 annually
for 10 months time ($40,800 - $54,000 as a 12 month
equivalent).
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
- Bachelors degree in Biology or related field.
- Previous experience supporting or conducting research in
molecular, cellular, developmental biology, biochemistry, drug
discovery, or a related field; experience with laboratory-based
undergraduate research or CURE courses.
What You Will Need
- Demonstrated experience training, supervising, or mentoring
undergraduate students and/or teaching assistants; and experience
managing research laboratory operations, including reagent
preparation, inventory and ordering, equipment maintenance,
experimental troubleshooting, and laboratory safety.
- Prior experience with MCDB 1171, MCDB 1191, or comparable
multi-section research-based laboratory courses is strongly
preferred.
What We Would Like You to Have
- The ideal candidate will be able to work independently while
collaborating effectively with faculty and instructional staff and
will have demonstrated familiarity with the experimental
techniques, research workflows, and organizational demands
associated with supporting multiple concurrent undergraduate
research projects.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Optional: Transcripts/Proof of Degree
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.
Please apply by
August 27, 2026.
Note: 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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu