CIRES / Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology/Copley Lab, Research Scientist I

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) encourages applications for a Research Associate in Evolutionary Microbiology. The Research Associate will contribute to an ongoing project that examines the evolution of novel metabolic pathways and how different microorganisms respond to the same evolutionary challenge.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

Key Responsibilities

- Purify and assay wild-type and variant enzymes (20%). - Assess levels of mRNA in parental and evolved strains (10%). - Delete genes in bacterial strains and characterize effects on growth rate (15%). - Evolve bacterial strains (20%). - Sequence the genomes of evolved strains and identify mutations (10%). - Isolate or construct evolutionary intermediates (15%). - Prepare figures, tables, materials and methods, and supplementary material for publications (5%). - Perform other relevant duties as necessary (5%).

Qualifications

- This is a 2-year appointment. - Given project deliverables, candidates must be able to start work by August 1, 2026. - Applicants needing visa sponsorship now or in the future are not eligible for this role. Applicants must be authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis. - CIRES offers a generous and comprehensive compensation package. - The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000 to $84,450. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification. - CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program. - Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. - As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities. - Benefits include medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit.

What We Require

- This position requires a Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology or related field. - At least 5 years of experience in microbiology, molecular biology and bacterial genetics after receipt of the Ph.D. - At least 3 years of experience in protein purification and enzyme assays using coupled enzyme assays when necessary. - At least 3 years of experience in editing the genomes of multiple bacterial species.