Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. INSTAAR’s research activities integrate field studies, 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 influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.

We aim to create an environment where individuals feel safe, heard, and encouraged to be themselves, and where all INSTAAR members understand their important roles in our anti-racism plan. We are working to dismantle systemic biases within our institute and within our larger institutional and scientific contexts, align the demographics of INSTAAR with those of our state and nation, and reduce barriers to living in Boulder and conducting scientific research at the University of Colorado Boulder.

• Conduct bioenergetics modeling focused on current and future ecosystem stressors such as temperature and food availability in lake systems across Alaska national parks. You will contribute to a regionally applicable model for lake trout across Alaska that may be useful for parks service managers in Alaska and the western United States and assist with the setting up a new laboratory. This work is a collaboration between the University of Colorado-Boulder, the National Parks Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey, within a new lab established by Dr. Peyton Thomas (PI). Primary responsibilities will include: Computer modeling: Compile and analyze environmental, diet, life history data for lake trout populations of interest. We aim to develop a regional Alaska late trout bioenergetics model using Fish Bioenergetics 4.0 that can be used to project future population conditions and provide insight for introduced lake trout populations in other western US National Parks Service units. Therefore, we are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience collecting or using biological data, modeling experience, and experience working with large datasets. General support: This is a brand new lab, so we will begin our lab setup during the time of this PRA! If located in Boulder, beginning in 2026, assist with the setup the new laboratory, including organizing sample archives, research, assemble and maintain equipment, and creating a database of protocols (lab, field, and modeling), and recent field and lab data. Work with PI on obtaining biological permits. Fieldwork: There is a possibility of fieldwork in Lake Clark National Park, AK in Summer 2026 for this position. Here we aim to collect fish morphometric data and tissue samples for an assessment of body condition of multiple life stages to begin model validation. Therefore, we are looking for an individual with fieldwork experience and a willingness to be in remote areas with fishing equipment and handle biological material. Ideally, the candidate will be interested in pursuing a graduate degree at CU-Boulder in 2026 or 2027, but this is not a requirement.

$50,000-$56,000/year and benefits; relocation reimbursement up to $2000.

• A bachelors degree.
• Must be able to work effectively with minimal daily supervision. Must be able to commit to bi-weekly meetings online or in-person.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, including listening and responding to questions effectively.
• Proficiency with basic computer software including the Microsoft Office suite, as well as, online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
• Must have the ability to pay close attention to details and keep clear and accurate records.
• Willingness to learn new methods or skills related to new instrumentation or field sampling to support project goals.
• Knowledge and basic skills of statistics and using statistical software or coding programs (R, Python, etc.).

• Must be able to work effectively with minimal daily supervision. Must be able to commit to bi-weekly meetings online or in-person.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, including listening and responding to questions effectively.
• Proficiency with basic computer software including the Microsoft Office suite, as well as, online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
• Must have the ability to pay close attention to details and keep clear and accurate records.
• Willingness to learn new methods or skills related to new instrumentation or field sampling to support project goals.
• Knowledge and basic skills of statistics and using statistical software or coding programs (R, Python, etc.).

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s of Science in environmental science, ecology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, geography, hydrology, or related fields, 2 years specialized experience in related field.