Student Research Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Professional Research Assistant will provide research, instructional, and laboratory support for course-based and independent undergraduate research activities within the department, with a particular emphasis on the MCDB 1171 and MCDB 1191 Drug Discovery course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) laboratories and the MCDB Skills Center.
The position will support the implementation and continuity of research projects across these courses, including assisting with experimental planning and troubleshooting, preparation and maintenance of research materials and reagents, collection and organization of research data, and training undergraduate researchers and teaching assistants in laboratory methods, research practices, and appropriate use of instrumentation. The Professional Research Assistant will also assist faculty with the supervision and mentoring of students conducting independent study and other undergraduate research projects.
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
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department
Founded in 1968 by the pioneering cell biologist and electron microscopist, Keith Porter, MCDB was among the first departments to integrate molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. For nearly 50 years, MCDB researchers have made seminal contributions to our understanding of the structures of cells and organisms and the molecular underpinnings of life processes. A few of these early discoveries include: translational regulation of gene expression; bacterial motility by rotating flagella; fine structure of plant cell walls, tight junctions, chloroplasts, and mitotic spindles; temperature-sensitive and maternal effect mutations in C. elegans, and catalytic RNA.
Today, MCDB faculty and students continue this pursuit to understand life at its most fundamental levels. But we are also addressing many of the pressing biomedical problems facing society, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, blindness, neurological and muscle disorders, infectious disease and antibiotic resistance, and environmental destruction. Beyond making discoveries, MCDB continues its long tradition of excellence in cultivating and educating the next generations of research leaders, biomedical innovators, educators, and scientifically literate citizens.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• In support of these research activities, the Professional Research Assistant will coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations for the CURE program, including supervising and supporting approximately 18-25 teaching assistants, coordinating laboratory preparation and workflows, maintaining and servicing laboratory equipment, managing reagent and supply inventories, and conducting ordering research materials. The position will work closely with faculty, teaching assistants, and undergraduate researchers to ensure that laboratories operate safely and efficiently and that experimental work is conducted consistently across multiple laboratory sections. Additional responsibilities may include development and refinement of experimental protocols, documentation of research and laboratory procedures, and implementation of new methods or research activities as the CURE program and Skills Center evolve.

What You Should Know

• Due to the nature of this work, the person selected for this position is expected to work full-time August 1 through May 31, each year with a 2-month break required every June and July. This position is a full time during the 10 month period.

What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $34,000 - $45,000 annually for 10 months time ($40,800 - $54,000 as a 12 month equivalent).
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 pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require

• Bachelors degree in Biology or related field.
• Previous experience supporting or conducting research in molecular, cellular, developmental biology, biochemistry, drug discovery, or a related field; experience with laboratory-based undergraduate research or CURE courses.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated experience training, supervising, or mentoring undergraduate students and/or teaching assistants; and experience managing research laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory and ordering, equipment maintenance, experimental troubleshooting, and laboratory safety.
• Prior experience with MCDB 1171, MCDB 1191, or comparable multi-section research-based laboratory courses is strongly preferred.

What We Would Like You to Have

• The ideal candidate will be able to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty and instructional staff and will have demonstrated familiarity with the experimental techniques, research workflows, and organizational demands associated with supporting multiple concurrent undergraduate research projects.

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Optional: Transcripts/Proof of Degree

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Please apply by August 27, 2026.
Note: Applications must be submitted 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.