Freelance Ecological Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Gil Lab in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a highly organized, technically capable, and collaborative Research Lab Manager to serve as the central coordinator for an active, interdisciplinary research group studying animal behavior, movement ecology, and coral reef ecosystems.
Our lab focuses on quantitative behavioral ecology. We aim to rigorously and mechanistically understand how animals make decisions in the wild-such as where to move, forage, or seek refuge-and to integrate this empirical understanding into larger-scale and longer-term theoretical models. Ultimately, our goal is to improve predictions of how ecosystems may change and respond to environmental disturbances in unexpected ways driven by behavior. We use coral reef fishes as a model system to link fine-scale behavior in the field to population-, and community-, and ecosystem-level dynamics.
The lab's core team includes a Principal Investigator (Dr. Mike Gil), three PhD students, and one postdoctoral researcher, and typically 30-50 undergraduate research assistants working in smaller, project-based groups. The Lab Manager plays a key role in helping this structure function smoothly by coordinating projects, supporting workflows, and maintaining clear communication across the lab.
This role is designed to be substantive, flexible, and professionally meaningful for applicants at a range of career stages. Ideal candidates may include individuals with bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees who enjoy research coordination, computational problem-solving, mentorship, and being deeply embedded in an active academic lab environment. The position is particularly well-suited for candidates seeking intellectually engaging research work with flexible hours and without the need for benefits.
Applicants who already hold an MS/MSc or PhD and are seeking a long-term, research-embedded role are especially encouraged to apply.
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.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Lab Coordination & Project Management: Serve as the central project coordinator for a large, multi-project research lab; Track timelines, personnel, and deliverables across diverse research efforts; Maintain lab documentation, shared resources, spreadsheets, and organizational systems; Take notes during lab and project meetings and follow up on action items
Support onboarding, training, and coordination of undergraduate researchers.
Technical & Research Support: Develop, streamline, and maintain custom data-processing and analysis workflows; Troubleshoot, debug, and improve existing code (primarily Python-based, often focused on computer vision); Implement and manage computational workflows on high-performance computing (HPC) systems (e.g., CU's Alpine HPC cluster); Support data organization, quality control, and reproducibility across projects; Coordinate with freelance programmers and external collaborators to implement and refine tools.
Mentorship, Communication & Lab Culture: Mentor and support undergraduate researchers and project leads; Provide thoughtful feedback on research workflows and protocols; Help maintain a positive, inclusive, and well-functioning lab culture; Facilitate clear communication within the lab and with collaborators; Assist with reflection, evaluation, and improvement of lab practices.
Operations & Administration: Assist with lab finances and day-to-day operations (ordering, tracking expenses, etc.); Serve as a point person for logistical questions related to lab workflows and expectations; Help ensure smooth lab function during periods of faculty travel
What We Can Offer
$25-$30.00/hr
Benefits
Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave .
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require

• Bachelor's degree or higher in ecology, biology, computer science, environmental science, or a related field
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Comfort engaging with technical material (e.g., code, data pipelines, quantitative methods), with willingness to learn new tools as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of independence, initiative, and reliability

What We Would Like You to Have

• Advanced degree (MS/MSc or PhD) in a relevant field;
• Experience with Python or scientific computing workflows; Familiarity with HPC environments, version control, or reproducible research practices.

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who may be contacted to provide a letter of recommendation later in the recruitment process.
For consideration, please apply by September 15, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.