Temporary Researcher

Job Summary

The Department of Environmental Studies (ENVS) at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is seeking one or two ecological research assistants to add in projects addressing climate change impacts on plant populations and related topics. The work in these positions will include set‑up and maintenance of field, lab, and greenhouse experiments as well as data processing and statistical analysis. The assistants in these positions will work in close coordination with Dr.

Doak and both graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

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.

The Department of Environmental Studies at CU Boulder is composed of approximately 20 tenured / tenure track faculty covering a wide range of topical expertise. Our faculty also includes rostered, full‑time teaching professors. The department consists of a broad range of environmental studies including an undergraduate program, a graduate research program (MS and PhD), and a professional master’s program (MENV). The department’s primary strength is interdisciplinary research and education on human‑environment interactions, as we integrate scholarship on environmental science, policy, and values.

Combined, faculty within the ENVS department at CU Boulder represent expertise in a range of human‑environment areas and utilize quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‑method approaches. ENVS here at the University of Colorado Boulder emphasizes the importance of diverse voices and experiences for strengthening our teaching, research, and service to broader communities. As a department committed to justice and equity, our goal is to create an environment that welcomes and supports everyone.

These responsibilities encompass data handling, experimental set‑ups, and field collection.

• Data entry and processing for ecological research projects.
• Statistical analysis of some data sets, working closely with supervisors.
• The construction of several lab experimental set‑ups and then use of these for data collection.
• Data collection on one or more field and greenhouse experiments.

The position will include work outside and at high elevations, as well as considerable computer duties. Past familiarity with plant population ecology methods and ideas are fundamental for this work, as is experience in conducting data collection on plant population dynamics.

$26/hr.

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

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

• BA or BS in biology, environmental studies, or related fields;
• At least one field season, and ideally more, of experience doing research in plant population ecology or closely related fields. This should include field work experience.
• Experience with plant identification, including of grass specimens. Ideally, familiarity with Colorado Front Range species and ecological communities.
• Experience working with R, including both for data processing and statistical analysis.

• As outlined in the position requirements, extensive past ecological research experience is of key importance.
• This should include experience with statistical analysis and also with ecological field work.
• The work in these positions will include close collaboration with multiple supervisors, but also involves independent work.

• Familiarity with a broad range of methods in statistics and population ecology modeling.
• Familiarity with ecological field methods and comfort with working outdoors, including in winter conditions.
• Experience in plant identification of montane Colorado species, in particular grass species.