Postdoctoral Associate

Job Title

Research Faculty

The primary responsibility of the hired individual will be to lead experiments involving whole-cell recordings from adult rodent brain slice preparations. Experiments will support ongoing investigations on the functions of different types of neurons within the ventral tegmental area as they relate to rewarding and aversive experiences. The Root lab at University of Colorado Boulder examines specific neurons, pathways, and molecules that the brain's "reward center" uses to regulate learning, motivation, and mental health disorders.

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 Psychology and Neuroscience is composed of Faculty, Staff, Research Assistants, Graduate Students, and Undergraduate Students. Through teaching, learning, research, and community outreach, we seek to promote scholarship at the intersection of psychology and neuroscience. Driving this mission is a deep, shared commitment to improving the human condition for all people. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is responsible for over 3,700 students in two undergraduate majors and five PhD programs.

Our 52 faculty teach and conduct research on topics that range from the molecular to the community level. Our work is spread across multiple campus locations (MUEN, IBG, WILD, & CINC), with an annual budget of $20 million, which includes approximately $12 million in grant-funded research and $600,000 in gift funds.

Leading research performing whole-cell recordings on mouse VTA cell-types and pathways involved in reward, aversion, stress, and addiction-related behaviors.

The annual salary for this full-time position is $63,480-$75,000.

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 creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

A doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, or related scientific field.

At least one year of experience in ex vivo electrophysiology using rodent brain slices. Able to conduct research independently. Development of research protocols. Troubleshooting and problem solving related to whole-cell electrophysiology. Maintain thorough records of experimental results. Statistically analyze and interpret experimental results. It is expected that the candidate will extensively collaborate with other lab members. Must have excellent organizational, oral, and written scientific communication skills.

Experience with optogenetics, chemo genetics, and calcium imaging.

To apply please submit the following materials:
Resume/CV Cover Letter (optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment. Application review will begin immediately, and applications submitted by August 10, 2026 will receive full consideration.

Position will remain open until filled.

Note:

Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, 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.