Job Details

PostDoctoral Associate

Position Number: 7125386
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Psychology

PostDoctoral Associate

Requisition Number: 71746
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 08-May-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Sosa Lab in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our growing team. Candidates with a PhD (or soon to complete a PhD) and a strong track record in neuroscience, psychology, bioengineering, or related biomedical fields are welcome to apply. Prior experience with rodent behavior is required; experience with programming and either imaging techniques or electrophysiology is preferred. 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 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, including in vivo 2-photon and 1-photon imaging, electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and computational modeling and analysis.
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, postdocs 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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Design and conduct independent and collaborative research projects under the advisement of Dr. Sosa, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Execute scientific projects in alignment with funded grant proposals and sponsor guidelines
Mentor and train junior lab members as needed
Help develop, troubleshoot, and maintain shared experimental equipment setups and scientific protocols within the lab
Stay engaged with current scientific literature and contribute to peer review
Present results and participate in lab meetings
Communicate scientific findings (write manuscripts, prepare conference presentations, etc.)

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this position is $65,000-67,000/year, commensurate with experience
Relocation assistance may be available.

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 creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

PhD in neuroscience, psychology with a specialization in neuroscience, or related field of biology or bioengineering, OR have completed all requirements for the PhD by the anticipated start date
Rodent behavior experience (e.g. rats or mice)
Strong interpersonal communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and in a team
High motivation and scientific curiosity
Willingness to troubleshoot and learn new skills
Basic programming and data analysis experiences (Python or Matlab)

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time. Please apply by May 8, 2026 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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/PostDoctoral-Associate/71746