Behavioral Science Research Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

About the Institute of Behavioral Science:

The Institute of Behavior Science (IBS) is a leading interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to addressing problems of societal importance through collaborative social and behavioral science research. The institute includes approximately 400 members, including fellows, research and administrative staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and undergraduate student researchers, and manages a typical annual grant portfolio of approximately $40 million. By engaging faculty from the social and behavioral sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, IBS encourages work that transcends disciplinary boundaries, that illuminates the complexity of social behavior and social life, and that has important implications for social policy. The institute is connected to a wide range of academic departments, including Anthropology, History, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Women and Gender Studies, and others. The institute is home to 13 programs and centers, including the Prevention Science Program, International Development Program, Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Natural Hazards Center, and CU Population Center. While IBS has historical strengths in research related to population, the environment, violence prevention, health, and international issues, it also embraces scholarship on well-being and resilience, archaeology, and crime and justice, among myriad other topics. 

• Provide strategic leadership for IBS by articulating a forward-looking vision, identifying emerging opportunities, aligning institute priorities with campus and RIO goals, and fostering innovative, high-impact interdisciplinary research.
• Lead the recruitment, appointment, mentorship, development, and retention of faculty, staff, researchers, and students in ways that strengthen IBS's research capacity, community, and long-term success.
• Promote and uphold strong research excellence, scholarly impact, and service across the institute. Work with faculty and administrative staff to support effective operations and timely, well-informed decisions.
• Be responsible for the institute's budget, personnel actions, and resource allocation in alignment with university policies and priorities.
• Convene and lead meetings of the IBS Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
• Serve as IBS's primary representative and advocate within CU Boulder and externally, guiding communications and relationships with RIO, campus partners, funders, and broader communities.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with federal agencies, foundations, industry, national laboratories, policymakers, and other partners to enhance IBS's visibility, reputation, and ability to attract resources and opportunities.
• Advance IBS's long-term impact through research dissemination, translation, and engagement, positioning the institute as a national leader in interdisciplinary research.
• Contribute to broader university leadership by collaborating with other institute directors, engaging in campus initiatives, and advancing research and scholarship across CU Boulder.
• Foster a positive, collaborative institute culture built on transparency, accountability, accessibility, employee engagement, clear communication, constructive conflict resolution, and respectful engagement across the community.
• Hold a tenured or tenure-track appointment in an academic department aligned with IBS' mission and contribute to departmental teaching, research, and service expectations, as appropriate and consistent with the responsibilities of the IBS Director.

The position brings with it teaching relief (typically bringing a teaching commitment reduction to one course per year) and is a 12-month appointment with corresponding salary. The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefits. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment.

The annual salary range for this position is $225,000-$275,000, plus moving allowance.

• Record of outstanding scholarly achievement in social and/or behavioral sciences and/or related interdisciplinary fields.
• A record of teaching, research, and service that meets the qualifications necessary to be tenured at the rank of Professor at a major research university.
• Evidence of experience in, and demonstrated capacity for, research and administrative leadership.
• Ph.D. in a social or behavioral science such as Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or other related fields.