Assistant Professor of Education

University of Colorado Boulder

Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Location: Boulder, CO
Department: Museum of Natural History (tenure home in School of Education)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Tenure-Track
Start Date: 2026–2027 academic year
Application Deadline: Full consideration by January 21, 2026

Position Overview

CU Boulder seeks a dynamic scholar to join the Museum of Natural History as Curator of Education with tenure in the School of Education. The role focuses on informal learning, museum education, place-based education, and outdoor education, with responsibilities spanning research, teaching, curation, and community engagement.

Effort Distribution:

  • Research: 40%

  • Teaching: 20%

  • Curation/Educational Leadership: 20%

  • Service: 20%

Key Responsibilities:

  • Maintain an externally funded research program in museum education or informal STEM learning.

  • Teach and develop courses at undergraduate and graduate levels in Museum & Field Studies and School of Education programs.

  • Mentor graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates.

  • Curate educational collections and design innovative educational programs.

  • Collaborate on museum exhibits, community outreach, and educator professional development initiatives.

  • Lead and expand experiential, place-based, and informal learning programs.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Ph.D. in Science Education, Informal Learning, or a related field by the start of appointment.

  • Experience in museum studies or informal learning program development.

  • Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential to secure external funding.

  • Commitment to inclusive education and research.

Preferred / Desired:

  • Experience with digital learning tools and technology-enhanced education.

  • Background in natural sciences or interdisciplinary approaches to science communication.

  • Familiarity with program evaluation and assessment.

  • Experience in cross-disciplinary or collaborative research projects.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $90,000–$100,000 (9-month appointment)

  • Office/museum space and competitive start-up funds.

  • Gender-neutral paid parental leave, childcare support, relocation and dual-career assistance, professional development funding.

  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, retirement, tuition assistance, paid time off, and ECO Pass.

Application Instructions

Submit via CU Boulder Jobs (email applications not accepted):

  • Cover Letter (addressing match to position criteria)

  • Resume/CV

  • Research Statement (up to 4 pages)

  • Teaching Statement (up to 2 pages)

  • Curation Statement (up to 2 pages)

  • Three relevant publications (single PDF file)

  • Contact info for three references

Full consideration: Apply by January 21, 2026

More info: CU Museum of Natural History

Apply