Job Details

Assistant Professor - Curator of Education (Tenure-Track)

Position Number: 6799363
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Museum & Arts Administration

Assistant Professor - Curator of Education (Tenure-Track)

Requisition Number: 69188
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date:
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Museum of Natural History, an interdisciplinary research institute within the University of Colorado Boulder, invites applications for a dynamic Curator of Education to join our team as a tenure-track Assistant Professor beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. The position is rostered in the Museum, with tenure home in the School of Education. Teaching responsibilities will be split between the tenure home department and the Museum & Field Studies Graduate Program.

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have a promising research agenda in one or more areas including (but not limited to) informal learning, place-based education, outdoor education, and/or museum interpretation. Strong preference will be given to candidates that demonstrate effective, cross-disciplinary or team-based projects, as evidenced by publications, grants and productive collaborations/partnerships. This role will have opportunity to engage with the Museum's collections and unique strengths in the study of organismal responses to environmental change through time. The Museum houses over 5 million specimens and objects and represents the largest collection in the Rocky Mountain region. The successful candidate will demonstrate genuine interest in contributing to the Museum & Field Studies Masters and Professional Certificate Program, and School of Education. They will lead the development and implementation of informal, place-based and experiential research and educational programs that advance the museum's mission to inspire discovery, foster scientific literacy, and engage diverse audiences. This role will lend expertise to and participate in our existing public research communications and expand capacity for our museum studies graduate program to use the museum as a laboratory for elevating the university's research and educational impacts.
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 University of Colorado Museum fosters exploration and appreciation of the natural environment and human cultures through research, teaching, and community outreach. We provide academic training for graduate students in the Museum and Field Studies Program. We build, conserve, and interpret research collections. And we offer exhibits and educational programs for the University and the public. We offer a collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and supportive environment in which a new professor can thrive.

For more information about the Museum of Natural History please visit: www.colorado.edu/cumuseum

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active, externally funded research program, curate and lead the education collections, supervise and mentor graduate students, teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute professional service both within the university and to their professional research community. The typical effort distribution for tenure-track Museum faculty is 40% research, 20% teaching, 20% curation and 20% service.

Research & Scholarship:

Maintain an active research program in museum education, informal STEM learning, or related areas.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and successfully seek external funding to support research, education and museum programming.
Mentor postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and undergraduates in research and professional development.

Teaching & Service:

Teach and develop courses and participate in the Museum and Field Studies and School of Education graduate programs on science education, informal education, and/or related disciplines within the university.
Supervise student internships and practicum experiences in museum education.
Participate in departmental, museum, and university service activities.

Curation and Educational Leadership:

Collaborate with curators and museum staff to integrate museum collections, ongoing research, and exhibits into experiential learning opportunities.
Design, implement, and evaluate innovative educational programs for diverse audiences, graduate and undergraduate students, K-12 teachers and students, and lifelong learners.
Develop and curate museum educational collections.
Collaborate on development of educator professional development curricula and resources aligned with state and national science standards.

Community Engagement:

Serve as a public educator to communicate the role of museums in society.
Build partnerships with schools, community organizations, and other museums to expand educational outreach.
Promote universal design and participation for all in educational initiatives.

What You Should Know

This is a tenure-track position.
As part of the University of Colorado Boulder's deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the campus has implemented a reference check pilot program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check pilot program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination - before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

The anticipated salary range for this full-time, 9 month position at the Assistant Professor rank is $90,000-100,000.
Office/Museum space and competitive start-up funds.
In addition to a competitive salary, the University of Colorado Boulder offers gender-neutral paid parental leave; backup child, adult and elder care through Bright Horizons; housing down- payment assistance programs; a relocation and dual career assistance program; and teaching, research, and professional development.
A relocation stipend is available within Museum and tenure home 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 curious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Ph.D. in Science Education, Informal Learning, or a related field by the time of appointment.
Demonstrated experience in Museum Studies, developing and delivering educational programs in museum or informal learning settings.
Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential for securing external funding.
Commitment to inclusive education and research.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials in PDF format:

Cover Letter: Specifically addressing the applicant's match to the criteria described above.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Including academic credentials, research, teaching, and curation experience.
Research Statement: Describing research vision and program (up to four pages).
Teaching Statement: Proposing teaching, your vision in mentoring, and possible academic department(s) (up to two pages).
Curation Statement: Describing your experience and vision for museum collections broadly, and entomological collections more specifically (up to two pages).
Publications: Three of your most relevant papers/publications (publications should be packaged into one PDF to fit in single available upload file in the application).

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

Applications received by January 21, 2026 will receive full consideration. 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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Assistant-Professor-Curator-of-Education-Tenure-Track/69188