Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)
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Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER
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Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)
Requisition Number:
73090
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Date Posted:
15-Jul-2026
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Job Summary
Job Summary
The University of Colorado Boulder seeks applications for the Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS). The successful candidate will be a tenured or tenure-eligible faculty with relevant administrative experience and research expertise.
Successful applicants will have an outstanding record of scholarly achievement that demonstrates a dedication to and leadership in innovative social and behavioral science as well as experience in interdisciplinary research, training, and other outreach activities. This includes supporting basic and applied research and translating research findings to practitioners, policy makers, and the broader public. Applicants should also demonstrate experience working in and contributing to collaborative, respectful environments and supporting a broad range of perspectives in research, training, and engagement activities within and beyond the Institute.
The IBS Director provides overall leadership for the institute, setting a clear strategic vision and ensuring effective management, operations, and financial stewardship. The Director is responsible for guiding the institute's direction, identifying and advancing emerging research opportunities, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration to sustain a high-impact research portfolio.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to lead and develop a community of faculty, staff, researchers, and students; support training and mentorship across disciplines; and maintain an active and externally funded research program. The Director works closely with the IBS Board of Directors and Executive Committee, partners with campus and Research & Innovation Office (RIO) leadership, and represents IBS to external partners, funders, and broader communities. The position reports to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes.
This role requires a dedication to transparent communication, collaborative leadership, and fostering a positive and engaged institute culture, while advancing IBS's visibility, partnerships, and long-term impact.
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
Who We Are
About the Institute of Behavioral Science:
The Institute of Behavior Science (IBS) is a leading interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to addressing problems of societal importance through collaborative social and behavioral science research. The institute includes approximately 400 members, including fellows, research and administrative staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and undergraduate student researchers, and manages a typical annual grant portfolio of approximately $40 million. By engaging faculty from the social and behavioral sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, IBS encourages work that transcends disciplinary boundaries, that illuminates the complexity of social behavior and social life, and that has important implications for social policy. The institute is connected to a wide range of academic departments, including Anthropology, History, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Women and Gender Studies, and others. The institute is home to 13 programs and centers, including the Prevention Science Program, International Development Program, Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Natural Hazards Center, and CU Population Center. While IBS has historical strengths in research related to population, the environment, violence prevention, health, and international issues, it also embraces scholarship on well-being and resilience, archaeology, and crime and justice, among myriad other topics.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
What You Should Know
What You Should Know
The position brings with it teaching relief (typically bringing a teaching commitment reduction to one course per year) and is a 12-month appointment with corresponding salary. The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefits. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment.
What We Can Offer
What We Can Offer
The annual salary range for this position is $225,000-$275,000, plus moving allowance.
Benefits
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 Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
What We Require
Special Instructions
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
The IBS Director Search Committee welcomes questions, which should be sent to the Committee Chair: Dr. Sona Dimidjian, Director of the Renee Crown Wellness Institute; sona.dimidjian@colorado.edu.
All applications received by September 1, 2026 will receive full consideration, and the position will be open until filled. The desired start date for this position is January 1, 2027. All other job-related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact for this posting.
To be provided when requested: List of 3-5 references, with no more than one reference internal to CU Boulder.
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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Click here for a list of ADA and Title IX coordinators. To view the Regent policy, please click here. This organization participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each employee's I-9 form to confirm work authorization.
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