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Bioroboticist

Requisition Number:

69958

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

16-Feb-2026

Date Posted:

10-Feb-2026

Job Summary

The Xu Lab is seeking an experienced, self-driven, and creative Postdoctoral Associate to build the neurobiology, electrophysiology, and robotics side of the interdisciplinary lab, in support of research in fluid dynamics, robotics and underwater vehicles, and bioinspired design. The purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to obtain further skills and experience as a researcher to pursue a further career in academia while enhancing research productivity in the laboratory. As such, the applicant will perform independent research, including publishing peer-reviewed papers and presenting at conferences; foster new collaborations within the laboratory, department, university, and wider academic community; take leadership and/or teaching responsibilities; and actively participate in professional development.

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.

Who We Are

The Xu Laboratory in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Program, Biomedical Engineering Program, and BioFrontiers Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder is an interdisciplinary research group at the intersection of robotics, fluid dynamics, and biology. Our mission is to develop and deploy bioinspired aquatic robots for real-world applications using a combination of laboratory experiments, theoretical modeling, and field work. By combining features from both natural and engineered designs, we aim to create more energy-efficient, maneuverable, and robust robots and underwater vehicles to track climate change, observe natural phenomena in the ocean, and aid in environmental stewardship.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The applicant’s job duties include studying the neurobiology of jellyfish swimming behaviors, including a new phenomenon atypical of jellyfish hydrodynamics, setting up electrophysiology and other new techniques in the lab related to this hydrodynamic project; continuing a collaborative project to develop an insect-inspired aerial-aquatic vehicle, including designing a robotic system, testbed, and experiments comparing data collected from live animals (by our collaborators) with our robot; publishing peer-reviewed publications; presenting work at national conferences, such as the American Physical Society (APS) Annual Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics (DFD) or various robotics conferences; ordering equipment for the lab; and mentoring students and junior researchers.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $55,000-62,000. Up to $500 in relocation reimbursement may be available following department guidelines.

Benefits

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 Statements

Be excited. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Successful candidates will have a strong desire to explore new frontiers in biology, fluid dynamics, aquatic robotics, and bioinspired design, including research experience in experimental fluid dynamics; strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated by a record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations; strong organization and time management. Minimum requirements include the completion of a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a similar field. Preferred qualifications also include teaching and mentoring skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Current Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Reference Letter (Not Confidential)
  4. (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 an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.
Please apply by February 16, 2026 for full consideration.

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

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.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu