Research Assistant in Acid Mine Drainage

Job Summary

We seek an hourly Research Assistant to work on a funded projectstudying the potential recovery of rare Earth elements from acidmine and acid rock drainage streams in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

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 aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history ofresponding to pressing environmental issues including climatechange. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especiallypronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened toinclude environmental challenges that span local, regional, andglobal scales. INSTAAR’s research activities integrate fieldstudies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis,and numerical and laboratory modeling.

Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world's oceans.

Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influentialscience that can inform public and policy decisions and move ustoward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptionalstrength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.

• Field collection of stream data (pH, temperature, conductivity,oxygen, etc.) and water samples for dissolved metal analysis.
• Assistance with trace metal measurement by ICP-MS, and anion measurement by ion chromatography.
• Interpretation of data.

This is a temporary position during the summer of 2026.

$36/hour - $37/hour

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

• Bachelors degree in Earth or environmental science.

• Experience with field methods related to stream waters, and laboratory methods related to water chemistry.
• Familiarity or experience with acid mine drainage.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Please apply by 6/29/2026 for consideration.

Note:

Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.