Behavioral Science Research Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks applications for the Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS). The successful candidate will be a tenured or tenure–eligible faculty member with relevant administrative experience and research expertise.

Successful applicants will have an outstanding record of scholarly achievement that demonstrates a dedication to and leadership in innovative social and behavioral science as well as experience in interdisciplinary research, training, and other outreach activities. This includes supporting basic and applied research and translating research findings to practitioners, policy makers, and the broader public. Applicants should also demonstrate experience working in and contributing to collaborative, respectful environments and supporting a broad range of perspectives in research, training, and engagement activities within and beyond the Institute.

The IBS Director provides overall leadership for the institute, setting a clear strategic vision and ensuring effective management, operations, and financial stewardship. The Director is responsible for guiding the institute’s direction, identifying and advancing emerging research opportunities, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration to sustain a high-impact research portfolio.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to lead and develop a community of faculty, staff, researchers, and students; support training and mentorship across disciplines; and maintain an active and externally funded research program. The Director works closely with the IBS Board of Directors and Executive Committee, partners with campus and Research & Innovation Office (RIO) leadership, and represents IBS to external partners, funders, and broader communities. The position reports to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes.

This role requires a dedication to transparent communication, collaborative leadership, and fostering a positive and engaged institute culture, while advancing IBS’s visibility, partnerships, and long-term impact.

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.

About the Institute of Behavioral Science: The Institute of Behavioral 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, illuminates the complexity of social behavior and social life, and 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 reducing teaching commitments 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.

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 ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

• Record of outstanding scholarly achievement in social and/or behavioral sciences and/or related interdisciplinary fields.
• Tenured or tenure-eligible faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder.
• 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.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter inclusive of a statement on the applicant’s record and vision regarding the following key areas of effort (3-page maximum):

• Institute Leadership
• Research
• Education/Mentoring/Training

The IBS Director Search Committee welcomes questions, which should be sent to the Committee Chair: Dr. Sona Dimidjian, Director of the Renee Crown Wellness Institute; Sona.Dimidjian@colorado.edu.

All applications received by September 1, 2026 will receive full consideration, and the position will be open until filled. The desired start date for this position is January 1, 2027. All other job-related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact for this posting.

To be provided when requested: List of 3-5 references, with no more than one reference internal to CU Boulder.

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.

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu