Job Details

Research Assistant in Acid Mine Drainage

Position Number: 7267158
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Geology, Earth Sciences & Oceanography

Research Assistant in Acid Mine Drainage

Requisition Number: 72998
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 29-Jun-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

We seek an hourly Research Assistant to work on a funded project studying the potential recovery of rare Earth elements from acid mine and acid rock drainage streams in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
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

Field collection of stream data (pH, temperature, conductivity, oxygen, etc.) and water samples for dissolved metal analysis. Assistance with trace metal measurement by ICP-MS, and anion measurement by ion chromatography. Interpretation of data.

What You Should Know

This is a temporary position during the summer of 2026.

What We Can Offer

$36/hour - $37/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

Bachelors degree in Earth or environmental science.

What You Will Need

Experience with field methods related to stream waters, and laboratory methods related to water chemistry.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.
Reference Letter

Please apply by 6/29/2026 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/Research-Assistant-in-Acid-Mine-Drainage/72998