Seasonal Field Technician, Velotta Lab

Position Summary

The Velotta Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking to hire one seasonal field technician to assist with research on the ecology of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in Colorado and in collaboration with Nathan Senner’s lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The project is focused on understanding how deer mouse physiology and population dynamics are influenced by parasites and environmental variation.

The field technician will assist with all aspects of fieldwork, with opportunities for learning research skills throughout the season. The technician will work closely alongside a PhD student at the University of Denver and another seasonal technician.

The position will run from April 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026. Airfare, shared field housing, food, all necessary equipment, and an hourly rate of $19.29/hour will be provided.

• Maintenance of a small mammal trapping grid.
• Capture, handling, and tagging of deer mice.
• Field physiology including respirometry (metabolic rate measurement).
• Field behavioral trials.
• Working in the plains and mountains in sometimes rugged terrain.
• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, and inclusiveness.

• Interest in mammalian ecology, field biology, physiology, species interactions, and/or related fields.
• Comfortable living and sleeping in close quarters with the team.
• Comfortable working at high elevations in sometimes rugged terrain.
• Strong work ethic, eagerness to learn fieldwork and research methods, and ability to work well on a team and independently in challenging physical conditions and sometimes stressful scenarios. Applicant must be adaptable, communicative, cooperative, and detail oriented.

• Previous experience with fieldwork and following research protocols
• Previous experience with small mammal trapping and handling
• Familiarity with respirometry
• Evidence of strong teamwork abilities

• This position requires working in mountain environments in challenging physical conditions - including high elevation, bright sun, rain, snow, fog, and walking long distances.
• The position requires lifting heavy objects (~50lbs) at high elevations.

The position will run from April 15, 2026 – October 15, 2026.

Work hours may vary throughout the season, with efforts requiring both working early in the morning and late into the evening.

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) February 24, 2026.

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Airfare, shared field housing, food, all necessary equipment, and a stipend of $19.29 per hour will be provided.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin,…