"Professional Research Assistant"

Job Summary

PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT (PRA) full-time (100%) position is available in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience under the direction of Joanna Arch, Ph.D. Dr. Arch’s research focuses on behavioral interventions for anxiety, fear, and trauma, particularly in the context of cancer.

The position involves joint responsibility for the daily coordination of a National Cancer Institute-funded randomized trial of a telehealth behavioral intervention to reduce cancer-related trauma symptoms and fear of cancer progression among adults with advanced cancer. The project is conducted in collaboration with community cancer care sites throughout Colorado as well as the University of Colorado Cancer Center. We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented, team-oriented, and committed research assistant with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Strong writing, communication, and computer skills are needed and experience working with medical or mental health populations is preferred. This study will include both English and Spanish-speaking patients, so conversational fluency in Spanish is preferred though not 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 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 3,700 students in two undergraduate 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 multiple campus locations (MUEN, IBG, 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

• Recruit, screen, and enroll participants for one or more research studies using detailed recruitment protocols.
• Use Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software to prescreen patients at collaborating community cancer care centers.
• Communicate study information to collaborating medical staff regarding recruiting patients.
• Provide technical support for online surveys and videoconferencing with study participants.
• Collaborate in developing, modifying as needed, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for research protocols.
• Work closely with other team members to implement the study and ensure consistent compliance with SOPs.
• Attend all necessary research and supervisory meetings; report on recruitment status, enrollment and completion numbers.
• Assist in creating and maintaining project databases.
• Assist in the organization of research data for presentations, papers, and grant applications, including assisting in manuscript preparation.
• Submit amendments, continuing reviews and reportable events to the IRB and other oversight bodies.
• Research management duties include ordering laboratory supplies, tracking of orders and expenses, scheduling team meetings and maintenance of laboratory equipment and computers.
• Oversee compliance with university and departmental policies regarding student engagement in research studies (e.g., mentoring frequency, appropriate roles/responsibilities, confidentiality).
• Oversee student/volunteer research assistants, contributing to a cohesive team and positive atmosphere.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

What You Should Know

• This study will include both English and Spanish-speaking patients, so conversational fluency in Spanish is preferred though not required.
• Applicants should be willing to commit to a 3-month provisional period followed by a two-year appointment with the option of renewal if funding continues to be available.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this position is $36,000-44,000.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

What We Require

• B.A. in Psychology or related field.
• Experience working with supportive intervention, anxiety, trauma, or human medical research and populations.

What We Would Like You to Have

Conversational Spanish fluency preferred, but not required.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials: 1. Resume/CV 2. Cover Letter 3. Reference Letter (Not Confidential) 4. Contact information for 2 references, who may be contacted by phone 5. (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. Please apply by October 9, 2025 for consideration. 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.