Jobs & Career
Professional Research Assistant Position at University of Colorado Boulder (Visa Sponsorship Available – J1)
Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Research Faculty
Application Deadline: November 25, 2025
Start Date: Targeted for February 1, 2026 (flexible)
Salary Range: $45,000 – $85,000 (based on experience)
Visa Sponsorship: J1 Visa Supported (H1B not supported)
Description.
Apply for a Professional Research Assistant role at the University of Colorado Boulder. Full-time research position with J1 visa sponsorship, competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities to contribute to NASA and NSF-funded cryosphere projects. Learn how to apply and required qualifications.
Overview of the Opportunity
The Colorado CryoSensing Research Group at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Professional Research Assistant to serve as a Lab and Field Research Manager. This role supports wet-lab sample analysis, field expeditions, remote sensing data processing, geospatial analysis, and academic publication efforts.
The research focuses on snow and ice darkening across polar and alpine environments—including Greenland, Antarctica, and the North Cascades—using field sampling, laboratory biogeochemistry, UAV (drone) imaging, and satellite remote sensing.
You will work directly with a Principal Investigator (PI) leading multiple NSF and NASA-funded projects.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory & Sample Analysis
- Organize and analyze snow and water samples.
- Maintain lab instruments and ensure data quality.
- Conduct chemical and biological measurements using:
- UHPLC
- LC-QTOF-MS
- Flow Cytometry
- Single Particle Soot Photometer
- Water quality analyzers (TOC, nutrients, etc.)
Geospatial & Remote Sensing Analysis
- Process multispectral and hyperspectral UAV and satellite imagery.
- Use ArcGIS Pro, ENVI, or Agisoft Metashape for spatial analysis.
- Develop custom scripts (Python/R/Matlab) for image processing and figure creation.
- Build maps, figures, and visualizations for reports and publications.
Research Documentation & Publication
- Draft research manuscripts and field reports.
- Conduct literature reviews and maintain reproducible records.
- Support student training and research mentoring.
Field & Logistical Support
- Prepare and maintain field equipment.
- Coordinate UAV flight permits.
- Ship samples and specialized gear.
- Occasionally travel to polar and high-altitude field sites.
- Operate small watercraft when needed.
What You Need to Succeed
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering (Master’s or PhD preferred).
- 2+ years research experience.
- Strong skills in data analysis and scientific visualization.
- Proficiency in Python, R, or Matlab.
- Ability to travel internationally and meet physical field requirements.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to lift 50 lbs.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in cryosphere research or aquatic biogeochemistry.
- Familiarity with UAV-based hyperspectral imaging.
- Mentoring or supervising research students.
- Comfort operating boats in remote environments.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $45,000 – $85,000 (based on experience)
Employee Benefits Include:
- Medical, dental, and retirement plans
- Tuition assistance for staff and dependents
- Paid time off and holidays
- Local transit ECO Pass
- Access to world-class recreation and research facilities
Visa & Work Terms
- J1 Visa sponsorship is available.
- H1B Visa sponsorship is NOT available.
- Position is initially for 2 years with the possibility of extension.
- Hybrid work allowed with scheduled progress updates.
How to Apply
To apply, prepare and submit the following documents through the CU Boulder Jobs Portal:
- Resume or CV
- Cover Letter
- (Optional) Transcripts or proof of degree
➡️ Applications must be submitted online — submissions via email will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: November 25, 2025
Why Consider This Role?
This position offers:
- Hands-on involvement with NASA- and NSF-funded climate research
- Opportunities for international fieldwork
- A pathway to peer-reviewed publications
- A collaborative environment in one of the top research universities in the U.S.
If you’re passionate about environmental science, remote sensing, climate change research, or polar fieldwork, this role offers an unmatched professional and scientific growth opportunity.
Final Thoughts
This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers seeking international research experience and involvement in cutting-edge climate science. With strong benefits, flexible start dates, and J1 sponsorship support, it’s particularly attractive to global researchers and recent graduates looking to build their scientific careers.
