Job Details

Temporary Researcher

Position Number: 6761216
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Temporary Researcher

Requisition Number: 68890
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 07-Dec-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Equal Water Lab under Dr. Riley Mulhern (PI) is seeking a Temporary Researcher to help develop, manage, and train students in PFAS-related laboratory procedures related to upcoming projects. The initial assignment will be a part-time, hourly position (approximately 2 days per week on average) for 6 months with the opportunity to extend and/or expand the role based on funding and need. The project will be focused on method development for processing water samples for PFAS analysis using solid phase extraction and defining laboratory procedures. The researcher will also have an opportunity to engage with PFAS-impacted communities with the analytical data our team develops to support local decision-making around household water treatment.
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

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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Set up of new instrumentation to automate PFAS sample processing (Promochrom SPE-01); Follow EPA-established SOPs including EPA 533 and 1621; Coordinate with an external analytical laboratory for method development and validation; Train graduate students in sample preparation methods, including preparing reagents, handling PFAS analytical standards and reference materials, operating precision instruments, preparing QA/QC samples, etc.; Analyze and process PFAS data, including familiarity with detection limit handling; Independently solve problems as they arise. This is a short-term, part-time position to help support initial laboratory setup and method development for PFAS with the potential to make a large impact on sponsored, community-engaged PFAS research.

What We Can Offer

$25/hour-$30/hour

Benefits

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

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Minimum of bachelor's degree in environment science, engineering, chemistry, or related fields; 2-3 years experience in analytical research, laboratory experience, and data analysis.

What You Will Need

Must be able to perform job responsibilities independently and professionally with minimal oversight; Must have hands-on laboratory experience analyzing and processing water samples for PFAS and be familiar with advanced solid phase extraction procedures following EPA methods (e.g., EPA 533, 537, 1633, or 1621) or have similar, related experience with the ability to quickly learn new protocols; Proficiency with basic computer software including the Microsoft Office suite and online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams; 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 to support project goals; Knowledge and basic skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.

Please apply by 12/7/25 for consideration.

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

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Temporary-Researcher/68890