From university research studies to part-time jobs, there are plenty of opportunities to make extra money on campus. See what's open.
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
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 mood, stress and coping for CU students. They are recruiting CU students ages 18–23.
The study includes a few different parts:
- You will take a series of online or app-based surveys.
- You will complete two in-person research visits, each including an interview about stress and health; a set of computer games; and an evaluation of physical functioning.
The study takes place over the course of three semesters, and you will be compensated for your participation (maximum of $356–$386 for completing all parts of the study).
Learn more about the study and fill out the eligibilty screening. Contact the RADD Lab at raddlab@colorado.edu or 303-735-8306 with any questions.
Part-time jobs
ASAP tutor mentors
The Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP) provides free small-group tutoring and one-on-one tutoring to first-year/transfer students and any student living on campus (including Bear Creek residents). Mentor hours are flexible, and the starting hourly pay is $16. Hiring is done on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply.
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. Learn more and apply.
Environmental Center openings
Make a difference while you earn a paycheck! The Environmental Center is hiring Zero Waste assistants, a CU Green Lab team 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 open positions in operations (set-up crew and audio/visual techs) and a reception desk staffer. Pay is $16 hour. Learn more and apply.
CU affiliates only
Study on robotic control
Earn $10 an hour to participate in a study on human control for tele-operated alignment tasks. The study should last around an hour, but you will be paid for the full two.
Requirements:
- Age 18 years or older
- Speak English
To find out more information and/or schedule, please email almu3988@colorado.edu.
Virtual reality research
The SHINE Lab is recruiting participants for a virtual reality study who are:
- Students, staff or faculty at CU Boulder
- Fluent in English
- Over the age of 18
In this study, you'll delve into virtual reality tasks while we safely monitor your physiological reactions. Non-invasive, comfortable and user-friendly devices will track your eye movements and your brain activity. The purpose of the research is to investigate more intuitive and inherent interaction techniques for virtual reality.
The studies last two hours and you'll receive a $30 compensation for your time. It takes place at the Center for Innovation and Creativity, Room 171E. You cannot earn course credit through this study.
If interested, schedule a time slot for December. For more details about the study, please reach out to ragu8188@colorado.edu.
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
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 exploring human-AI cooperation
The Perception Laboratory is recruiting participants for a research study aimed at better understanding human-AI cooperation. This research uses human eye-tracking signals to inform the development of hierarchical reinforcement learning (HRL) agents for human-agent collaboration. The goal of this research is to understand how to produce agents that can effectively work with a wide range of humans that vary in expertise, preference and adaptability.
Participants will play the game Overcooked on a desktop computer while eye-tracking and keyboard input are collected, as well as fill out a series of questionnaires.
To be eligible to participate, you must be between the ages of 18 to 65 years and have normal vision (20/40 or better) without correction from eyeglasses or contact lenses. Contact lenses and eyeglasses should not be worn during the study.
Your participation in this study will require approximately 90 minutes of your time and can be scheduled at your convenience. The study will take place in ECST 322, Engineering Center at CU Boulder.
You will receive a $25 Visa card for your participation. If interested, please scan the QR code (in the attached image) or visit the booking site to reserve a time. Email perception.laboratory.usafa@gmail.com for more information.
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 volunteers to participate in a clinical research study. We are looking for women and men, ages 50-plus, who are willing to participate in water immersion sessions approximately three times per week for 12 weeks.
Benefits for volunteers include: cardiovascular health assessment, exercise stress test, body composition and blood chemistries, and monetary compensation.
For more information, please email cvstudy.cuboulder@gmail.com 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).
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
This study 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.
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.
Locomotion learning study
The Neuromechanics Laboratory is seeking volunteers for a study on learning and effort in a walking task. They are interested in how the effort involved in a movement impacts how you learn in a new environment. The task involves walking on a treadmill with separate belts for each foot at walking speeds.
You must be English-speaking, between 18–35 years old, have normal or corrected vision, no movement control or vestibular problems, and no recent orthopedic surgeries or broken bones.
The study will involve a single two-hour visit to the campus laboratory in the Engineering Center, ECSL 1B21, and will include motion-capture of your walking gait. Subjects will be compensated with a $25 Amazon gift card.
If interested, please fill out a screening survey. Contact Rachel Marbaker at rachel.marbaker@colorado.edu or 719-373-1748 with any questions.
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.
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.
Study on movement, decision-making
The Neuromechanics Laboratory needs volunteers for a study on movement decision-making.
Participants must:
- Be English-speaking
- Be right-handed
- Be 18–40 years old
- Have normal or corrected vision
- Have no movement control problems
- Have no recent orthopedic surgeries or broken bones
This study is expected to take one to three hours. All procedures take place in the campus laboratory (Engineering Center, ECSL 1B21). Subjects will be compensated.
Please contact Chad Healy via email at healycm@colorado.edu, or fill out the screening survey.
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.
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.
Studies for the family
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.
Survey on sleep patterns, practices in childhood
The Sleep and Development Laboratory is looking for parents of children ages 1.0 to 13.9 years to complete a short survey on children's sleep patterns and sleep-related practices. The survey asks about the child’s demographics, developmental history, sleep patterns, medication consumption and electronic media use.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Afterward, enter a drawing for a chance to win one of 16 $25 Amazon gift cards. Take the survey.
