Professional Research AssistantRequisition Number:67003Location:Boulder, ColoradoCityBoulderStateColoradoEmployment Type:Research FacultySchedule:Full-TimePosting Close Date:30-Sep-2025Date Posted:28-Aug-2025Job SummaryThe Sosa Lab in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Professional Research Assistant (PRA) to join our growing team. The PRA would assist with experiments, animal colony management, and laboratory management and organization. Candidates with previous laboratory experience and strong organizational skills are welcome to apply. Prior experience handling rodents is required.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 AreThe Sosa Lab studies how the brain forms, stores, and retrieves memories. We are particularly interested in how learning and memory processes change depending on the cognitive and physiological state of the animal - in other words, how does the brain prioritize what to remember according to the demands on the organism? A branch of the lab focuses on a dramatic physiological demand that is extremely understudied: the effects of pregnancy and the postpartum period on the maternal brain. Our research uses behaving rodents (mice and rats) as a model system and spans a variety of systems and circuit neuroscience techniques.We strive to create a supportive lab environment where all team members are valued and are motivated to work together to tackle challenging scientific problems. We value creativity, communication, transparency, collaboration, and rigorous science. As a new lab, the PRA/lab manager will interact closely with Dr. Sosa, who is committed to providing all lab members with the scientific training and mentorship to help them pursue their career goals. The PRA/lab manager will assist Dr. Sosa and other researchers with experimental work, including handling and training animals. Additional responsibilities include ordering supplies and maintaining lab inventory, scheduling meetings and social events, and general lab organization.What Your Key Responsibilities Will BeAssist lab members with research experiments:
Prepare laboratory reagents and supplies
Handle and train animals on behavioral tasks
Perform histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and other techniques to assist in data collection, including in vivo
Assist in neural and behavioral data processing and validation
Keep a well-organized lab notebook
Maintain laboratory supplies and resources:
Order supplies and track orders
Maintain stocks of laboratory consumables
Keep laboratory inventory and databases up to date
General lab organization and management:
Help schedule meetings and book meeting space
Participate in lab meetings
Organize lab supplies and layout
Coordinate equipment servicing
Coordinate lab-sponsored social events
Assist Dr. Sosa in onboarding and training new lab members
Assist Dr. Sosa with EH&S and safety compliance
Animal colony management:
Maintain animal colony and keep appropriate records
Manage mouse breeding, weaning, and genotyping
Interact with the Office of Animal Resources (OAR), veterinary staff, and IACUC, and help ensure lab compliance with university regulations
What You Should KnowThe anticipated start date for this position is October 1, 2025.What We Can OfferThe annual salary for this full-time position is $40,000 - $45,000, commensurate with education and experience.BenefitsThe University of Colorado offers excellent , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the .Be StatementsBe curious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.What We Require
BA or BS degree in biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field
Curiosity and enthusiasm for science
Strong organizational and time management skills
Strong and timely interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team
Prior experience handling or training mice or rats
Willingness to learn new skills
1 year prior laboratory experience
What We Would Like You to Have
Previous experience executing an independent research project is preferred
Greater than 1 year prior laboratory experience
Familiarity with programming basics preferred (Python, R, or Matlab; Github)
Ability to commit at least two years' duration to the position
Special InstructionsTo apply, please submit the following materials: * Resume or CV
Cover Letter with a summary of your prior research experience and interests in the lab (approximately 1-2 paragraphs)
Please include contact information for 2 references in your cover letter (used for phone checks)
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 a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.Note - during the application process, you will separately be asked to provide the contact information for one reference who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation later in the search process. These references may be the same or different than those you list on your phone check document.For full consideration, please apply by 9/30/2025. Selected applicants will be further invited for an initial Zoom interview.Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through .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 InformationPosting Contact Name: Dr. Mari SosaPosting Contact Email: Marielena.Sosa@colorado.edu
