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JILA Instrument Maker

Requisition Number:

67897

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

10-Oct-2025
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Job Summary

JILA is encouraging applications for a Professional Research Assistant (Instrument Maker) to join our JILA Instrument Shop. This is a technical research position that involves working in an Instrument Shop environment to design and fabricate scientific apparatus in support of scientific projects. It involves providing regular consultation and collaboration with JILA researchers and laboratory projects within the scope of the Instrument Shop’s capabilities.

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

JILA is a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We support an eclectic and innovative research programs that foster creative collaborations among our scientists. The wide-ranging interests of our scientists have made JILA one of the nation’s leading research institutes in the physical sciences. JILA science encompasses eight broad categories: Astrophysics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Laser Physics, Nanoscience, Precision Measurement, and Quantum Information Science & Technology. To learn more visit: https://jila.colorado.edu/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Consult with scientists on use of scientific equipment and JILA Instrument Shop resources.
  • Collaborate with JILA scientists to design, develop and manufacture novel devices for use in JILA research.
  • Add incoming jobs to the shop queue and track assigned jobs.
  • Support the JILA Staff Shop and aid scientists in safe machine shop use.
  • Ensure shop spaces and equipment are clean and well-maintained and purchase shop supplies as needed.
  • Regularly learn and develop new skills and techniques relevant to scientific instrument making.
  • Mentor JILA Instrument Shop Apprentices as necessary.
  • Teach the JILA Basic Machine Shop course.
  • Follow all safety procedures and precautions (Performance in this role includes demonstrating commitment and proactive engagement in safety practices, in collaboration with JILA safety officer. All staff are responsible for:
    1. Completing and documenting annual general and equipment-specific safety training as dictated by CU Environmental Health & Safety and JILA
    2. Continuously updating the shop user orientation to strengthen hazard control awareness and emergency procedures
    3. Promptly reporting all incidents/accidents/injuries to JILA safety
    4. Actively participating in safety walkthroughs, meetings, and hazard identification
    5. Managing shop users by providing orientation prior to entry and training on the use of correct engineering, administrative, and PPE controls)
  • Work with other Instrument Makers and JILA staff on large and complex projects.
  • Complete and submit accurate and consistent timesheets.

What We Can Offer

  • The salary range for this full-time position is $70,000.00 to $95,000.00 annually.
  • This position also offers support with moving expenses (if applicable). Reimbursement: up to $5,000.00.

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 ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Minimum of three years working as a scientific instrument maker, tool and die maker or similar
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar computer aided design software
  • Proficiency with MasterCAM or similar computer aided machining software
  • Able to operate various machinery for instrument making
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly
  • Ability to communicate in writing

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Strong organizational and logistical skills
  • Ability to communicate clearly and positively with a variety of people
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. Resume or CV.
  2. Cover Letter: please include a brief description of a project or part where you did the design, machining, assembly, and testing (if applicable).

(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. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by 11/10/2025. The 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.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Agnieszka Lynch

Posting Contact Email: agly4098@colorado.edu