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Prevention Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$52K/yr

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Prevention Specialist at an Air or Space Force ... Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: YOU ...

$52K/yr

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Prevention Specialist at an Air or Space Force ... Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: YOU ...

CO · On-site

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

CO · On-site

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Prevention Science information

See Colorado salary details

$34.2K

$61.5K

$98.3K

How much do prevention science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for prevention science in Colorado is $61,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prevention science?

Prevention science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on identifying risk and protective factors and developing, evaluating, and implementing interventions to prevent negative health, social, and behavioral outcomes. It draws from fields like psychology, public health, sociology, and education to create evidence-based strategies that promote well-being and prevent problems before they occur. Prevention scientists work to address issues such as substance abuse, mental health disorders, violence, and chronic diseases by using research to inform policy and practice.

What does collaboration typically look like for prevention science professionals within multidisciplinary teams?

Prevention Science professionals often work closely with experts in public health, social work, education, and community organizations to design, implement, and evaluate programs aimed at reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors. Regular collaboration includes joint meetings, data sharing, and coordinated planning sessions to ensure interventions are evidence-based and tailored to the specific population. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a dynamic work environment and provides opportunities to learn from colleagues with diverse expertise, making teamwork and strong communication skills essential for success in the field.

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

To thrive as a Prevention Scientist, you need a solid background in public health, epidemiology, and research methods, often supported by an advanced degree such as an MPH or PhD. Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R), grant writing, and program evaluation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and cultural competence are vital soft skills for engaging stakeholders and implementing effective interventions. These skills allow prevention scientists to design, evaluate, and scale programs that reduce risk factors and improve community health outcomes.

What is the difference between Prevention Science vs Public Health Researcher?

AspectPrevention SciencePublic Health Researcher
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Prevention Science, Public Health, or related fieldsMaster's or PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, government agencies focused on prevention programsPublic health departments, research institutes, NGOs working on health issues
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in prevention programs, community interventions, policy developmentInvolved in health policy, epidemiological studies, health promotion initiatives

Prevention Science and Public Health Researcher roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. Prevention Science focuses on developing and evaluating strategies to prevent health and social issues, while Public Health Researchers often conduct epidemiological studies and inform health policies. Both careers aim to improve community health but differ in their specific focus and application areas.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Prevention Science jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Prevention Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Prevention Science job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,480 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)

Boulder, CO • On-site


University of Colorado Boulder
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Requisition Number:

73090

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

20-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.

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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.
  • 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.
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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