"Professional Research Assistant"

Job Summary

The Sosa Lab in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Professional Research Assistant (PRA) to join our growing team. The PRA would assist with experiments, animal colony management, and laboratory management and organization. Candidates with previous laboratory experience and strong organizational skills are welcome to apply. Prior experience handling rodents is required.

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 Sosa Lab studies how the brain forms, stores, and retrieves memories. We are particularly interested in how learning and memory processes change depending on the cognitive and physiological state of the animal. A branch of the lab focuses on the effects of pregnancy and the postpartum period on the maternal brain. Our research uses behaving rodents (mice and rats) as a model system and spans a variety of systems and circuit neuroscience techniques.

We strive to create a supportive lab environment where all team members are valued and are motivated to work together to tackle challenging scientific problems. We value creativity, communication, transparency, collaboration, and rigorous science.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Assist lab members with research experiments: Prepare laboratory reagents and supplies, Handle and train animals on behavioral tasks, Perform histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and other techniques to assist in data collection, including in vivo, Assist in neural and behavioral data processing and validation, Keep a well-organized lab notebook.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and resources: Order supplies and track orders, Maintain stocks of laboratory consumables, Keep laboratory inventory and databases up to date.
• General lab organization and management: Help schedule meetings and book meeting space, Participate in lab meetings, Organize lab supplies and layout, Coordinate equipment servicing, Coordinate lab-sponsored social events, Assist Dr. Sosa in onboarding and training new lab members, Assist Dr. Sosa with EH&S and safety compliance.
• Animal colony management: Maintain animal colony and keep appropriate records, Manage mouse breeding, weaning, and genotyping, Interact with the Office of Animal Resources (OAR), veterinary staff, and IACUC, and help ensure lab compliance with university regulations.

What You Should Know

The anticipated start date for this position is October 1, 2025.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this full-time position is $40,000 - $45,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass.

Be Statements

Be curious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• BA or BS degree in biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for science
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong and timely interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team
• Prior experience handling or training mice or rats
• Willingness to learn new skills
• 1 year prior laboratory experience

What We Would Like You to Have

• Previous experience executing an independent research project is preferred
• Greater than 1 year prior laboratory experience
• Familiarity with programming basics preferred (Python, R, or Matlab; Github)
• Ability to commit at least two years' duration to the position

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials: Resume or CV, Cover Letter with a summary of your prior research experience and interests in the lab (approximately 1-2 paragraphs), Please include contact information for 2 references in your cover letter (used for phone checks). If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified. For full consideration, please apply by 9/30/2025.