Associate Research Professor: CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Associate Research Professor
Working Title: Associate Research Professor: CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research
FTE: Full-time 1.0 FTE / Hybrid
Salary Range: $170,200-$178,200 12-month annual salary
Position #00844010 – Requisition #38665
Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research (UCDCPR), launched in 2024, is dedicated to improving quality of life through research and education on the effects and therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelic interventions. We are a comprehensive, transdisciplinary center focused on researching the basic science, therapeutic effects and mechanisms, and social, economic, and public health implications of psychedelic drugs and providing training to prepare the next generation of researchers, clinicians, and community leaders in the responsible and evidence-based use of psychedelic therapies.

In this initial period, the UCDCPR is focused on three areas: research, education, and infrastructure. The center will also conduct events to share with the community and to inform public policymakers.

The Associate Research Professor will serve as Associate Director for the CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research and will provide scientific, strategic, and operational leadership to advance the Center’s mission of conducting rigorous, ethical, and inclusive psychedelic research that bridges professional disciplines through research, education, policy, and advocacy.

Working closely with the Center Director, this position will guide transdisciplinary initiatives; develop and manage research, support clinical initiatives and educational programs; and cultivate collaborations across the CU system and beyond. The Associate Director will play a leading role in positioning CU Denver as a national leader in psychedelic science, training, community engagement, and advocacy.
This is a four year, limited-term position, with potential for extension dependent on external grant and/or gift funding.

Associate Research Professor: CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research
What you will do:

Strategic & Program Leadership

• Co-develop and implement the Center’s multi-year strategic plan and performance.
• Build collaborations across the University of Colorado and external sites for supportive clinical, research, educational, advocacy, policy, and community partnerships.
• Participate in budget planning, grant management, and operational oversight to support long-term sustainability.
• Represent the Center to internal and external stakeholders, funders, and media as appropriate.

Research Leadership

• Lead or co-lead clinical and research projects focused on psychedelic science and health innovation.
• Support study design, regulatory compliance, data integrity, and publication efforts.
• Mentor trainees, staff and faculty in research methodology, writing, and professional development.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities through federal agencies, foundations, and philanthropy.

Clinical Leadership

• Guide ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive models of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
• Integrate behavioral-health frameworks into clinical and translational research protocols.
• Support transdisciplinary team collaboration to ensure ethically guided practices.

Education and Public Engagement

• Support educational curricula, workshops, and training programs.
• Promote community outreach and public education around psychedelic science.
• Serve as an ambassador for responsible, evidence-based communication, work with major donors, government officials, and directors at other agencies and universities.

Administrative/Professional Development

• Provide mentorship and leadership to faculty and staff.
• Oversee structured supervision as necessary and appropriate for faculty, staff, and trainees.
• Keep up to date with field developments academically and through applied skills.
• Attend and present at conferences, meetings, and training to maintain certification and enhance professional skills.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Doctoral degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related behavioral or biological science
  • Graduation from an accredited psychedelic-assisted therapy training program.
  • Ability to obtain a Colorado License as a Psychologist within the first year of employment.
  • Ability to be fully credentialed clinical researcher and research faculty member.
• Three (3) years of experience in leadership with additional administrative or educational program experience in an interprofessional team environment.
• Record of successful grant writing and project management.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• 5 years of experience in leadership with additional administrative or educational program experience in an interprofessional team environment
• Experience in and enthusiasm for academic and continuing education programs.
• Experience with innovative programs, novel treatments, and/or areas of special interest in specific therapies.
• Experience or interest in faculty development.
• Experience with providing Telehealth/virtual visits.
• Experience training and developing staff and faculty.
• Experience building and directing interdisciplinary teams or programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across disciplines, departments, the university, and the community.
• Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks and maintain a well-organized work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to disseminate information effectively.
• Capacity for flexibility and adaptability in different work situations.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance inclusive excellence.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex scientific concepts across disciplines.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with strategic and systems-level thinking.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements

• The ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work; often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.
  
  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.
  The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $170,200-$178,200 annually.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.
Benefits:

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 16, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).
• Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. (We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references).

Questions should be directed to Dr. Michelle Comstock, Michelle.Comstock@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.