Natural Resources Job Board

The Ecophysiology Lab at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research and the University of Colorado is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Professional Research Assistant to assist with laboratory set-up and conduct modeling activities related to lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) current and future growth and reproduction projections for populations within Alaska national parks. The initial assignment will be for eighteen months with the possibility of extension pending funding and evaluation. Salary will be commensurate with experience as a Professional Research Assistant. The preferred start date is September 1, 2025. 

The University of Colorado 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.

Key Responsibilities:
Conduct bioenergetics modeling focused on current and future ecosystem stressors such as temperature and food availability in lake systems across Alaska national parks. You will contribute to a regionally applicable model for lake trout across Alaska that may be useful for parks service managers in Alaska and the western United States and assist with the setting up a new laboratory. This work is a collaboration between the University of Colorado-Boulder, the National Parks Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey, within a new lab established by Dr. Peyton Thomas (PI). Primary responsibilities will include: Computer modeling: Compile and analyze environmental, diet, life history data for lake trout populations of interest. We aim to develop a regional Alaska late trout bioenergetics model using Fish Bioenergetics 4.0 that can be used to project future population conditions and provide insight for introduced lake trout populations in other western US National Parks Service units. Therefore, we are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience collecting or using biological data, modeling experience, and experience working with large datasets. General support: This is a brand new lab, so we will begin our lab setup during the time of this PRA! If located in Boulder, beginning in 2026, assist with the setup the new laboratory, including organizing sample archives, research, assemble and maintain equipment, and creating a database of protocols (lab, field, and modeling), and recent field and lab data. Work with PI on obtaining biological permits. Fieldwork: There is a possibility of fieldwork in Lake Clark National Park, AK in Summer 2026 for this position. Here we aim to collect fish morphometric data and tissue samples for an assessment of body condition of multiple life stages to begin model validation. Therefore, we are looking for an individual with fieldwork experience and a willingness to be in remote areas with fishing equipment and handle biological material. Ideally, the candidate will be interested in pursuing a graduate degree at CU-Boulder in 2026 or 2027, but this is not a requirement.