Summer Research Assistant

Job Summary

The School of Law encourages applications for the Summer Research Assistant role! This is a research assistant summer position inclusive of climate change education and policy. The role will be used to study students’ work product in the undergraduate Climate Action Planning course (GEOG 4022(3)) offered in CU Boulder over the past two years. That course equips students with key climate action planning (CAP) skills.

Students then implement these skills by developing project proposals that can be adopted by CU Boulder as part of its climate action plan. The summer research position will be used to study the projects developed by students in the course. Among other things, the RA will assess the ways in which the student proposals implement core CAP skills including greenhouse gas accounting, target-setting, strategy development, and financial analysis.

The results of the RA’s work will be used to inform future climate change education in CU Boulder and beyond.

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.

At the Colorado Law School, we are an engaged, diverse, and welcoming community of students, staff, faculty, and alumni who help one another succeed. Our selective admissions process keeps our student body small, enabling our faculty, staff, alumni, and community to invest deeply in each student’s success. Because we take our responsibility to educate and train future lawyers very seriously, our curriculum, research centers, and experiential learning opportunities are crafted to prepare students for success in today’s changing legal environment.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop criteria to assess use of CAP skills in final projects.
• Read final projects and identify uses of CAP skills.
• Write reports summarizing findings and making recommendations.

This position is a hybrid role, primarily remote, with occasional on‑site meetings as needed. The anticipated duration of the assignment is from May 2026 through August 2026, working 5‑15 hours per week.

The hire rate for this temporary, part‑time position is $20.00 per hour.

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits‑eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be supportive. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• Relevant course experience in environmental studies and economics.
• Climate action planning experience.

• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written, and strong editing skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively anticipate needs.
• Positive attitude, resourceful nature, and excellent problem‑solving capabilities.
• Highly adaptable and creative.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).

• Student RA has taken GEOG 4022(3), or equivalent Climate Action Planning course.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Please apply by May 28, 2026 for consideration.