Temporary Researcher

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Job Summary

The Boulder Bee Lab (BBL) is seeking a temporary researcher to help with research needs in spring and summer 2026. The BBL focuses on symbiotic relationships in arthropods, disease ecology, and invasive species management with our model organism being the honey bee. As such, the temporary researcher will be working where contact with stinging insects is possible if not likely. All proper safety precautions will be taken, but a comfort with and understanding of honey bee biology is essential to success in this position.

The temporary researcher for the BBL will be responsible for assisting with research needs in the lab and field, with special focus on implementing innovative systems that enable detailed observation of Varroa mite behavior at both individual and colony levels. These systems include a "mite insight" video system that allows for close-up filming of mites feeding on developing bees within closed cells, as well as an observation hive spanning the laboratory wall.

The temporary researcher will use these two systems to study the long-term colony response to Varroa mite infestations and expand our understanding of Varroa mite biology to develop more targeted and effective control methods. By delving deeper into the biology and behavior of Varroa mites, the temporary researcher will help identify vulnerabilities in their life cycle and develop innovative approaches to disrupt their reproductive cycle and reduce their impact on honey bee colonies.

In addition and as time allows, the temporary researcher may also help with the collection of mites, eggs, and frass from honey bees and honey bee frames, assist students and postdocs with wet bench work such as gel protein electrophoresis and RNA/DNA extraction, assist graduate students and postdocs with field research needs such as collecting bumble bee, honey bee, or varroa mite samples, scouting for native bees, tending honey bee colonies, cleaning labware, and help with other needs as they arise.

The core values of the BBL and of Dr. Ramsey (Principal Investigator of the BBL) are clear communication, personal responsibility, curiosity, integrity, and respect for self and others. The Boulder Bee Lab is committed to pursuing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at all levels of the scientific process.

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

At the University of Colorado Bio Frontiers Institute, researchers from the life sciences, physical sciences, computer science, and engineering are working together to uncover new knowledge at the frontiers of science and partnering with industry to transform their discoveries into new tools. The Bio Frontiers Institute is uniquely defined both by our excellent faculty, research, and leadership and by the scientific and geographical ecosystem that empowers our work.

Bio Frontiers has a unique "frontier" culture that allows our researchers to explore new areas of bioscience by maximizing the resources and talents across the Institute and the university system. The Institute integrates faculty members from eleven academic departments, allowing them to work across fields. Bio Frontiers drives innovation without boundaries.

What Your

Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate will:

* Assist with research needs in the lab and field, including collecting bee samples and tending honey bee colonies.

* Use the mite insight system to collect close-up filming of mites feeding on developing bees within closed cells.

* Use the observation hive to collect close-up filming of mites feeding on developing bees within a live, operating honey bee colony.

* Develop and implement improvements to the above two systems to improve research outcomes, as needed.

* Actively work with the BBL's research team including Dr. Ramsey, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, professional research assistants, and undergraduate research assistants to assist with specimen and data collection as required for specific research projects.

* Help collect brood comb from managed/farmed honey bee colonies and assist with processing including determining parasite load.

* Assist students and postdocs with gel protein electrophoresis and RNA/DNA extraction.

What You Should Know

A candidate has been identified for this position, however, all applications will be reviewed and considered before a final hiring decision is made.

This position is 100% in person.

What We Can Offer

The rate of pay for this temporary position is $18 per hour.

Benefits

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

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