Job Details

Research Associate in Nature-Based Solutions

Position Number: 6697475
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Research Associate in Nature-Based Solutions

Requisition Number: 68383
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 07-Nov-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Research Associate with the Dee Lab and Initiative for Nature-Based Solutions is a multifaceted role that combines grant writing expertise with leadership in research and administrative responsibilities. A significant portion of this position is dedicated to securing funding through grant applications. The Research Associate will also foster collaboration with local entities, contributing to the Center's research and outreach efforts. Key responsibilities include identifying subnational science-policy gaps, disseminating research findings, providing mentorship, supporting data analysis, and contributing to the lab and research initiative's administrative management and thought leadership. The responsibilities will be broken down as follows:
Grant Writing & Research: Researching and applying for grants from governmental entities, foundations and private sources to support the Center's initiatives. Partnerships and Local Engagement: Collaborating with local entities to understand their needs, produce actionable science, and support the implementation of subnational projects.
This time allocation can include the support of cities in advancing their biodiversity and nature in cities efforts, and the deployment and effectiveness of nature-based solutions. The position will identify policy gaps and commitments at the subnational level and contributing to the development of a comprehensive.
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

Grant Writing & Research: Researching and applying for grants from governmental entities, foundations and private sources to support the Center's initiatives.
Partnerships and Local Engagement: Collaborating with local entities to understand their needs, produce actionable science, and support the implementation of subnational projects. For instance, this time allocation can include the support of cities in advancing their biodiversity and nature in cities efforts, and the deployment and effectiveness of nature-based solutions. The position will identify policy gaps and commitments at the subnational level and contributing to the development of a comprehensive repository.
Research and Writing: Writing and publicizing research findings to reach diverse audiences; Manuscript Support, by Assisting in writing and finalizing research papers.
Data Analysis: Analyzing data to support research and grant application.
Nature-Based Solutions Initiative Administration and Mentorship: Supporting the administrative management of the Center, functioning as a Deputy Director. Contributing to the Center's thought leadership initiatives, functioning in a capacity similar to a Chief of Staff.

What We Can Offer

The hiring rate for this position is $90,000 annually.

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

Applicants are required to have a PhD, post-doctoral research experience and at least 4 years of experience outside of academia working with end-users and partners in translating and producing actionable science.

What You Will Need

A competitive applicant will have both advanced data science skills and experience working with partners, both developing and maintaining partnerships and translate complex data to support decision making. The applicant will need to have personnel management and grant writing experience.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Three Sample publications of published work : Please combine into a single PDF.

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.
Please apply by November 7th, 2025 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, 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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Research-Associate-in-Nature-Based-Solutions/68383