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Behavioral Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree in psychology, behavioral science, architecture, planning, or related field * Professional certification in healthcare planning or behavioral health * Experience in behavioral health ...

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Behavioral Science information

See Colorado salary details

$25.8K

$50.9K

$83.1K

How much do behavioral science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral science in Colorado is $50,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $54,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with behavioral science?

Behavioral science professionals analyze human behavior to develop strategies that influence decision-making, improve products, or promote positive habits. They work in fields such as marketing, healthcare, public policy, and organizational development, often using research methods like experiments and data analysis. Skills in psychology, statistics, and communication are essential for success in this field.

What can you do with a behavioral science degree?

A behavioral science degree prepares individuals for roles such as behavioral analyst, research associate, or consultant, focusing on understanding human behavior to improve decision-making, marketing, or policy. Graduates often work in healthcare, government, or private sectors, utilizing skills in data analysis, psychology, and research methods.

How do Behavioral Science professionals typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Behavioral Science professionals often work closely with teams such as marketing, human resources, product development, and data analytics to apply behavioral insights to real-world challenges. Collaboration can include designing experiments, interpreting data, and providing recommendations to improve user experiences or organizational outcomes. Regular meetings and cross-functional projects are common, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex behavioral concepts into actionable strategies. This collaborative environment fosters learning and provides opportunities for professionals to see the tangible impact of their work.

What is behavioral science?

Behavioral science is the study of how people make decisions, act, and interact with others. It draws from disciplines like psychology, sociology, and anthropology to understand human behavior and motivation. Professionals in this field use research and data analysis to understand patterns of behavior, which can help improve outcomes in areas such as health, business, education, and policy. Behavioral scientists often work to design interventions or policies that encourage positive behavioral changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Scientist, you need a solid grounding in psychology, research methods, data analysis, and typically an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in behavioral science or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software like SPSS, R, or Python, and experience in survey design tools are commonly required. Strong critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines help Behavioral Scientists excel. These skills enable professionals to design effective studies, analyze human behavior accurately, and translate findings into actionable insights for organizations or policy.

What is the difference between Behavioral Science vs Data Analyst?

AspectBehavioral ScienceData Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in psychology, sociology, or related fields; knowledge of research methodsDegree in statistics, mathematics, or related fields; proficiency in data analysis tools
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, consulting firms, or corporate teams focusing on human behaviorBusiness, finance, healthcare, or tech companies analyzing data trends
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations aiming to understand and influence human behaviorUsed by organizations to interpret data and inform decision-making

While both roles involve analyzing information, Behavioral Scientists focus on understanding human behavior through research and psychological principles, whereas Data Analysts interpret data sets to support business decisions. Both careers require analytical skills but differ in their focus and application.

What jobs do behavioral scientists do?

Behavioral scientists analyze human behavior to develop insights that can improve products, services, and policies. They work in areas such as research, consulting, healthcare, marketing, and public policy, often using data analysis, experiments, and psychological theories to inform decision-making.
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Science jobs in Colorado? For Behavioral Science jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Behavioral Science jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Behavioral Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Science job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,884 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)

Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

New


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Requisition Number:

73090

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

15-Jul-2026
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Job Summary

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 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.
Who We Are

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. 

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
  • 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.
What You Should Know

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.

What We Can Offer

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

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 groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • 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.
Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. A current resume.
  2. A cover letter inclusive of a statement on the applicants 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.

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