Job Details

Professional Research Assistant

Position Number: 6836978
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Professional Research Assistant

Requisition Number: 69200
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 09-Jan-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Colorado CryoSensing' Research group welcomes applications for a Professional Research Assistant. This is a 50% FTE position that will involve management and organization of field and lab equipment, as well field planning, logistics and sampling. Additional duties include data analysis, figure creation, manuscript preparation, and scientific storytelling through visual media and editing about NSF and NASA-funded projects that focus on the cryosphere.
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 Colorado CryoSensing' Research group is housed within the Aerospace Engineering Sciences department, Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research. Wet lab facilities for the group are part of the Environmental Engineering program in the Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Laboratory (SEEL). Active NSF and NASA-funded awards focus snow and ice darkening in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Our research combines field-based sampling and wet-lab aquatic biogeochemical analyses to develop and validate algorithms applied to multi- and hyperspectral imagery collected on spaceborne satellites.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Management and organization of field equipment and lab analysis.

Handle shipping of samples, field equipment, and hazardous cargo (i.e., samples stored with dry ice, drone batteries, large drone cases, etc).

Field sampling, logistical support and planning: Assist with purchasing and maintenance of field equipment. Ensure it is properly functioning prior to field campaigns and properly stored after field campaigns.

Determine permitting needs for UAV operations and assist with obtaining appropriate permits, as necessary.
Develop workflows for Uncrewed Aerial Systems.

Development of visual media outreach materials such as scientific storytelling videos, website development, newsletters, etc.
Research support and documentation.

Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts through data generation, analysis, and visualization.

What You Should Know

This appointment will not support J-1 or H-1B visa sponsorship. Hybrid Work Eligibility and Communication: Position can be performed remotely.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary range for this appointment will be $40,000-$45,000 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 authentic. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree in fine arts, science or an engineering discipline.
Demonstrated field experience in the cryosphere such as the Arctic, Antarctic or high mountain regions.

What You Will Need

Strong organizational skills and ability to work with a team.
A valid driver's license and the ability to lift 50 pounds.
Demonstrated ability to produce publishable results through co or lead-authorship on peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Video editing proficiency.
Proficiency with a scientific programming language for data visualization and figure creation such as Python, R, or Matlab.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:

Cover Letter
Resume/CV

One letter of recommendation is required. Please note that it is not to be uploaded during the application process. Please email your letter of recommendation to Senior HR Coordinator Melissa Flores at aerohrhelp@colorado.edu. Any questions about this process can be sent directly to Melissa Flores at aerohrhelp@colorado.edu.

For full consideration, please apply by January 9, 2026.

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/Professional-Research-Assistant/69200