Published: March 14, 2024

From university research studies to part-time jobs, there are plenty of opportunities to make extra money on campus. See what's open.

Featured studies and jobs

Paid and volunteer research opportunities are also posted on the Buff Bulletin Board as they become available. Student Employment posts on- and off-campus and work-study jobs and a weekly email list for subsribers.

Students only

Research using AI-based chatbot for tasks

CAIRO Lab is looking for participants for a study on using an AI-based chatbot to complete tasks. You must be a CU Boulder student who is over 18 years old, and you will receive $15 for participating in a 45- to 60-minute-long study.

  • Title of research: AI Chatbot User Study
  • Institution conducting research: CU Boulder Collaborative AI and Robotics Lab
  • Eligibility: CU Boulder students over 18 years old

The purpose of this research is to improve the implementation and use of chatbots that are based on artificial intelligence. Our goal is to make chatbots more usable by everyone, including for work, school and general information. As chatbots become more common, we hope to find ways to implement them safely and conscientiously.

In this study you will use AI chatbots to complete two different tasks. Your participation should take less than 60 minutes and will take place in the CU Engineering Center. For more information, contact christine.chang@colorado.edu or bradley.hayes@colorado.eduYou can sign up here.

Study on collaborative learning

The NSF Institute of Student-AI Teaming is inviting undergraduate students to participate in a study investigating collaborative problem-solving. You will learn about ways to improve collaborations and work with a partner on fun, collaborative learning activities across two sessions.

You are eligible to participate in this research study if you:

  • Are a CU Boulder student at least 18 years of age
  • Speak English
  • Do not have significant and uncorrected vision impairments

Each visit lasts two hours and will be compensated at $20 per hour. You will earn a bonus of $20 for attending both visits (up to $100 total).

Please sign up for all spots for which you are available over the next few weeks. Providing more availability will help ensure we find you a spot in our study. Calendly emails are not official scheduled dates—only marking your availability. A researcher will be in contact via email to begin the official scheduling process. 

Study exploring sense of belonging

Research participants wanted! The current study aims to gather information and insights regarding sense of belonging from students at CU Boulder, with an emphasis on students who are studying within the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. 

The results of this study will inform any changes that may need to be implemented or programs that need to be developed to enhance student sense of belonging within the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and at CU Boulder. 

You must be a current CU Boulder undergraduate and 18 years or older. Participants will be compensated up to $40. Contact wen.zhuang@colorado.edu for details.

Research on STEM education

CU Boulder researchers are seeking to improve undergraduate STEM education in this study supported by NSF (IRB #21-0121). 

Eligibility:

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You are a current undergraduate
  • You have declared any physical science or engineering major—except chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical and biological engineering
  • You have enrolled in or completed PHYS 1110: General Physics 1

Researchers want to know how science and math majors react to typical classroom experiences. You will spend 1 hour completing problem sets and questionnaires online. The researcher will provide instructions over Zoom.

Participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card for your participation. 

To see if you are eligible and to sign up, please complete this brief confidential eligibility survey. Questions? Email brittany.tokasey@colorado.edu for more information.

Study on belonging, identity, sexual harm

Feeling like we belong impacts our sense of safety and our ability to heal. The Renée Crown Wellness Institute invites minoritized students to participate in conversations around belonging, identity and sexual harm on campus. 

You may be eligible to participate if you:

  • Are a CU Boulder student
  • Are 18 years or older
  • Belong to an underrepresented race/ethnicity on campus or identify as LGBTQQ2SIA+

This is a paid research study (IRB# 23-0029), and participation involves a brief survey and engagement in a student-led focus group. Please note, we are currently not enrolling cisgender men in this study. Learn more and see if you're eligible.

Study on stress, coping in college

The Research on Affective Disorders and Development (RADD) Lab is conducting research on stress coping in first-year CU students. We want to understand what helps CU students cope with stress during major transitions, including the transition to college and across semesters.

The study includes a few different parts that happen over a three-semester period: 

  • There are two in-person research sessions, each of which takes about four to six hours. During these sessions, you will play some computer games while we monitor physical functioning (for example, your heart rate). You will also complete a set of interviews and surveys that ask about stress, behavior, mood and health.
  • There are three 21-day periods in which we will send you a daily “micro survey” (less than five minutes to answer) asking about your behavior and mood using an app.
  • There are two 1-hour online surveys that we will send to your email.

The study takes place over the course of three semesters, and you will be compensated for your participation (maximum of $446–$470 for completing all parts of the study).

If you want to learn more, contact the RADD Lab at raddlab@colorado.edu or fill out our initial eligibility screening.


Part-time jobs

Campus Dining Services openings

CDS offers the opportunity to learn and build a variety of skills for success during your time at CU and beyond. With flexible hours, convenient locations and competitive pay ($16 per hour), this is a great opportunity for busy students. There are currently two openings: one in food service and one late-night cleaner. Learn more and apply.

Environmental Center openings

Make a difference while you earn a paycheck! The Environmental Center is hiring climate justice team members, a Green Labs lead and Greek sustainability coordinators. Compensation starts at $16 hourly. Learn more and apply.

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations ambassadors

Neighborhood ambassadors serve as student leaders, assisting off-campus student tenants with their transition to and ongoing living experience in their off-campus housing, especially in the University Hill area. Compensation is $17 per hour. Learn more and apply.

Recreation Services openings

Help fellow students find their fit! Rec Center student-employees play an invaluable role by providing customer service, safety and fun to guests. There are currently open positions in aquatics, ice rink, facility operations, fitness and wellness, Outdoor Pursuits and team sports. Learn more and apply.

University Memorial Center openings

Work in the heart of campus! The UMC offers a competitive salary, flexible hours, professional and personal development opportunities and a true team spirit. There are currently openings for The Connection managers and a UMC security guard starting at $16 per hour. Learn more and apply.

Volunteer Resource Center student assistants

Connect with students, plan service opportunities for our campus and make an impact through education, service and reflection. Specific roles include: events and education, outreach, communications and social media, volunteer placement and a Peers Activating Leaders in Service mentor. Work will begin on Aug. 14. Pay starts at $16.85. Learn more and apply.


CU affiliates only

Study examining teamwork, collaboration

The Shine Lab is recruiting participants for a research study who:

  • Are students, staff or faculty at CU Boulder
  • Are native English speakers
  • Are over the age of 18
  • Are proficient at using computers
  • Do not have a history of seizures

These studies take place at the Center for Innovation and Creativity (1777 Exposition Drive) in Room 171E. In this type of study, researchers will look at your physiological reaction and at your brain waves as you work in a team on a task that involves searching for objects of interest in satellite images. The purpose of the research is to better understand the experiences people have while working in teams on collaborative tasks. 

They will use non-invasive sensors (functional-near infrared spectroscopy) to measure your brain and physiological activity while you work with the visual search task. These devices are safe and comfortable for experiment participants to wear.

The studies last two hours each and the pay is $15 per hour, plus a significant merit-based cash bonus. You cannot earn course credit through this study.

If you are interested, please email shinelabstudy@gmail.com to schedule a slot.


Studies for adults

Multiple sclerosis clinical trial

Researchers from the Neurophysiology of Movement Laboratory are conducting a study to investigate if electrical stimulation applied to the legs can reduce fatigue and improve walking in persons with multiple sclerosis.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

  • Are between18–65 years of age
  • Have clinically confirmed diagnosis of MS
  • Are able to walk but have some difficulty walking
  • Experience some fatigue during activities of daily living

The 11-week study involves four evaluation visits and 18 treatment sessions (three times per week for six weeks).

Evaluation sessions:

  • Approximately two hours each
  • Answering questionnaires
  • Tests of walking, balance and muscle function

Treatments:

  • Approximately 60 minutes each
  • TENS applied to leg muscles while performing weight-lifting exercises
  • The treatment will be applied to two muscle groups in each leg

Participants will be paid up to $880 for completing the 11-week trial.

If you are interested, please contact Mélanie Henry by email at melanie.henry@colorado.edu and reference the MS clinical trial.

Research on circadian rhythms

The Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory is looking for healthy males and females, ages 17–35, to participate in a study to improve our understanding of circadian rhythms in humans and specifically how light exposure and meal timing influences the levels of proteins that are measured in blood and saliva.

The study is seven weeks long with eight in-person visits. Participants live in the sleep laboratory on two separate occasions for 7.7 days (15.4 days total)

Compensation up to $3,785. Get study details and apply. Email liba5348@colorado.edu with questions.

Study on stress, gut health

The purpose of this study (IRB Protocol #22-0234) is to evaluate how probiotic supplementation impacts your stress levels. This research may help us better understand factors that support adaptive stress responding.

You may be eligible for this study if you are:

  • Ages 18–45
  • Willing to take a probiotic supplement for about two months
  • Not immunosuppressed

Participation includes:

  • One 30-minute in-person visit, where you will receive the probiotic/placebo and complete questionnaires
  • About two months of supplementation
  • Completion of periodic brief questionnaires sent via text

Take a brief survey to find out if you’re eligible. Contact Lauren Finkelstein at lauren.finkelstein@colorado.edu or 970-921-9321.

Study on Mediterranean diet, health

Participants are needed for a research study evaluating foods from the Mediterranean diet. 

You may qualify if you:

  • Are 30–69 years old
  • Have a 25–37 BMI
  • Have high blood sugar, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Have stable medication use
  • Have a relatively low intake of Mediterranean diet-style foods
  • Haven't changed your exercise patterns within the last three months
  • Do not smoke

Participation involves:

  • Monthly visits to the CU Anschutz Medical Campus over a period of 20 weeks
  • Blood, urine and stool sample collections
  • Four 4-week periods with daily consumption of various study foods such as salmon, beef, oatmeal, cheesecake, walnuts, red peppers, avocado and chickpeas

Food and compensation provided. Complete the screener to see if you qualify.

The study will take place in the Clinical and Translational Research Center on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus at 1890 N. Revere Ct., Room 6030, in Aurora. Email minimed@cuanschutz.edu with questions.

Study on supportive care for cancer patients

Living with metastatic cancer? Avoiding planning for the future? Feeling down, distressed, or worried? Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers and CU Boulder are offering an online study for adults with metastatic cancer who are feeling anxious, down or distressed. 

The Valued Living Study compares a five-week online skills group to usual supportive care. Participants can earn up to $150. You may be eligible if you:

  • Have stage IV solid tumor cancer 
  • Feel anxious, down or distressed

We welcome individuals of any race, ethnicity, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status or national origin.

Please reach out to learn more! Email valuedliving@colorado.edu; call or text 720-515-9461.

Astronaut training research in VR

The CU Boulder Bioastronautics Research Group, part of the Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, is recruiting subjects to participate in an astronaut training study using virtual reality.

Subjects will be trained on one of three tasks: an entry-descent landing scenario, a rover driving scenario, or a habitat maintenance scenario. Subjects will complete anywhere from three to eight sessions, with the first session taking up to 2.5 hours and the following sessions taking one hour each.

All subjects between the ages of 18 and 65 are invited to email vr_training@outlook.com to learn more. Any questions about the study can be directed to the PI at apanders@colorado.edu.  

Cardiovascular research studies

The Integrative Physiology of Aging Lab is seeking volunteers for four research studies:

Heat therapy on blood pressure, vascular function

Researchers are seeking women and men, ages 40-plus, who are willing to participate in water immersion sessions approximately three times per week for 12 weeks, and have above normal blood pressure (a top number of 115 or higher; if you are unsure of your blood pressure, please still contact us for screening).

Benefits for volunteers include: cardiovascular health assessment, exercise stress test, body composition, blood chemistries and monetary compensation for time.

For more information, please email hottubstudy@colorado.edu or call 970-460-8970.

Senolytics and cardiovascular dysfunction

A biological hallmark of aging is “cellular senescence”, which is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. Compounds called “senolytics” that decrease the number or amount of senescent cells may be effective for improving age-related cardiovascular dysfunction and possibly brain health. 

Researchers are trying to determine whether intermittent oral supplementation with a natural compound with senolytic properties called fisetin (found in strawberries, onions and cucumbers and available as dietary supplement) will improve blood vessel function, reduce artery stiffness, and improve cognitive function (a measure of brain health) in adults ages 65-plus.

Benefits for volunteers include: cardiovascular health assessment, cognitive function tests, blood tests and compensation for time. 

For more information, please email fisetinstudy@colorado.edu, or call 303-735-6410. 

Health effects of new breathing exercise

These two studies will explore the potential health effects of a new type of breathing exercise (a time efficient type of exercise) on blood pressure, vascular function and cognitive function.

For ages 18-plus

Requirements:

  • Aged 18-plus years
  • Higher blood pressure (systolic BP 120–160 mmHg)
  • Own an Apple or Android smartphone
  • Willing to perform breathing exercises 5–10 minutes per day, six days a week, for six weeks

Benefits include:

  • Detailed blood panel (cholesterol, glucose, etc.)
  • Blood pressure screening
  • Monetary compensation for time

If interested, email imstapp@colorado.edu or call 303-492-2485.

For ages 50-plus

Requirements:

  • Aged 50-plus years
  • Higher blood pressure (systolic BP 120-160 mmHg)
  • Willing to exercise up to 25 minutes per day, six days per week for a three-month period

Benefits include:

  • Detailed blood panel (cholesterol, glucose, etc.)
  • Physician-monitored exercise stress test
  • Blood pressure screening
  • Bone mineral density test
  • Monetary compensation for time

If interested, email imststudy@colorado.edu or call 303-492-2485.

Aging effects of nicotinamide riboside

Researchers are looking for volunteers to study the potential health aging effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation on blood pressure and physiological function.

Requirements:

  • Age 50–79 years
  • Higher than normal blood pressure
  • Willing to undergo a three-month period taking nicotinamide riboside or placebo pills

Benefits include:

  • Blood pressure screening
  • Detailed blood panel (cholesterol, glucose, etc.)
  • Monetary compensation for time

If interested, call 303-492-2485 or email nrstudy@colorado.edu.

Want to see what your brain looks like?

The Intermountain Neuorimaging Consortium (INC) is a brain imaging research facility in the Institute of Cognitive Science at CU Boulder. They use MRI scans to study how the brain works and how the brain changes across the lifespan. They currently have six to seven studies that are looking for participants from a range of ages across the Denver metro area. 

Learn More & Enroll

Study on sleep disruption, bone health

CU Anschutz researchers in the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes are looking for healthy men and women to study the effects of sleep disruption on bone health. 

You may qualify for this study if you:

  • Are 20–40 years old 
  • Habitually sleep 7–9 hours per night  
  • Have not done night-shift work in the past year  
  • Do not currently smoke 
  • Are fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2

Involvement includes:

  • Measurements of bone mineral density
  • Completion of sleep questionnaires/assessments
  • Sleep with a simulated night-shift schedule or normal sleep schedule
  • A general physical exam
  • Activity monitoring with a wrist monitor
  • Blood/urine collection
  • Arterial line placement
  • Two inpatient stays (four nights each)

The total study duration is up to six weeks of participation. You will receive up to $1,500 and a FitBit for your time. 

If interested, email spotlight@cuanschutz.edu for study details, or complete the prescreening survey.

Study on chronic back pain

The Pain Lab at CU Boulder, affiliated with the Institute of Cognitive Science, is seeking participants ages 21–70 for a research study with non-invasive wearable sensors.

You may be eligible if you have experienced back pain for the last three-plus months. Participants will be compensated up to $360.

If you're interested, fill out the screening form, and the lab will contact you regarding your eligibility. Email painlab@colorado.edu with any questions.

Spinal cord injury research

Have you had a spinal cord injury? If so, we need your help.

The Sensorimotor Recovery and Neuroplasticity Laboratory at CU Boulder and CU Anschutz is seeking persons with a spinal cord injury to participate in a research project to study how low-oxygen therapy may promote recovery of movement.

This study is looking to see how mild bouts of breathing low oxygen may improve leg strength and walking ability in persons with spinal cord injury. The purpose of this study is to gain better understanding of how this potential therapy may help people with spinal cord injury become more independent.

If the following two questions apply to you, we would like to hear from you.

  • Are you 18–75 years old? 
  • Did you sustain a spinal cord injury more than six months ago?

Data we collect will be used to determine if this therapy may increase voluntary movement in persons' spinal cord injury. 

The study takes up one to two hours per day, up to 10 days of experimental treatment and training, and up to two days for tests on the CU Boulder campus. Participants will be compensated $25 for each visit and in some cases for travel.

For more information, contact CU Boulder's Andrew Quesada Tan and/or CU Anschutz's Andrew C. Smith with the subject line "IH STUDY."

Study on cannabis, memory

The CU Change Lab (part of the Institute for Cognitive Science and Department of Psychology and Neuroscience) is looking for volunteers. In this study, researchers want to understand how varying levels of cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) impact things such as memory and cognition to better understand the effects of varying levels of cannabinoids.

Participants will be compensated approximately $195 for 7.5 hours. You may be eligible to participate if you:

  • Are 21–40 years old
  • Have used cannabis for at least one year
  • Are right-handed

Contact cobra.custudy@gmail.com for more information.

Study on OCD

The Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory is looking for males and females with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ages 18–35, with a typical bedtime of 1 a.m. or later to participate in a research study on campus. Compensation up to $750. Get study details and apply, or email sleep.study@colorado.edu with any questions.

Study on walking performance in older adults

Researchers in the Neurophysiology of Movement Lab are conducting a study to evaluate the influence of light electrical stimulation on walking and balance capabilities in healthy older adults.

Subject requirements:

  • 65–85 years of age
  • Free from neurological impairments
  • No recent lower body injuries
  • Ability to walk for six minutes unaided

The study consists of two visits to Main Campus on separate days (approximately 2.5 hours each). In each session, we will apply mild electrical stimulation using a TENS device and assess subjects' walking and balance capabilities.

Compensation is $60 for the two visits. If interested, please contact Mohammed Alenazy for more information: moal4255@colorado.edu, 720-231-9767.


Studies for the family

STEM education research for middle, high schoolers

The NSF AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming (iSAT) is recruiting students 12-17 years old to participate in a study investigating collaborative problem solving in science, technology, engineering and mathematics domains.

In the study your child will be working with other participants on a series of group problem solving tasks. Researchers will use cameras and microphones to record the group’s interaction as they work through the task, as well as eye tracking to measure your child’s gaze patterns. Collecting video and audio data of your child is mandatory.

These studies take place at the Center for Innovation and Technology, Room 184G, located at 1777 Exposition Drive. They last two and a half hours each, and participants will be compensaeted $25 per hour ($62.50 total).

If your child is interested in participating, please email isat.lab@colorado.edu and they will send you an online parental permission form, as well as online student assent form for your child to complete. Once the forms have been completed, we will send you an email with a link to sign up for a study session date and time. Email tori.hardy@colorado.edu with questions.

Maternal communication study

Language, Development, and Cognition Lab researchers invite you to participate in an online language production study conducted via Zoom at a time that is convenient for you. The study is open to mothers of 3- to 5-year-old children who are acquiring English as a first language.

You will engage in a task in which you will be shown simple animated actions on a screen (e.g., putting an object on a table) and asked to instruct a hypothetical child or adult listener to perform those actions using props. The total time for the study is 40–45 minutes or less, depending on number of breaks.

You will receive an Amazon gift card worth $20 within one to two weeks of study completion (and a gift card worth $5 if you complete part of the study). Complete the parent registry or email ldclab.boulder@colorado.edu for more information.

Mom and baby: Research on microplastics

Interested in how plastic exposure might impact maternal and child health? Participate in a paid study to help researchers better understand how microplastics might alter human health and determine what lifestyle factors might increase exposure.

As a participant, you will earn $200 for completing several questionnaires and providing biological samples. This study includes at-home biological sample collections and questionnaires as well as one visit to the Clinical Translational Research Center (CTRC) in Boulder for physical health assessments and a blood draw.

Eligibility:

  • First-time moms
  • Mother/infant pairs
  • Approximately one month postpartum
  • Living in Denver or Boulder

Please fill out a brief survey to see if you qualify. If you have questions, contact mnpdimple.study@gmail.com. This study is based in the Alderete Diabetes and Obesity Research (ADOR) Laboratory.

Child communication research

The Child Research Participant Registry connects families and researchers, so that together they can advance understanding of human communication and methods to diagnose and treat children who have communication-related challenges. They invite families of children with or without communication challenges to join the registry.

To learn more, or to sign up your child, please visit this webpage. The research registry is affiliated with the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.