Director Institute of Behavioral Science; IBS

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 member 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.

About the Institute of Behavioral Science
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The Institute of Behavioral 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, illuminates the complexity of social behavior and social life, and 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.

• Provide strategic leadership for IBS by articulating a forward-looking vision, identifying emerging opportunities, aligning institute…