Associate Research Professor: CU Denver Center Psychedelic Research

Associate Research Professor: CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research

University of Colorado Denver

Position Details

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: $170,200–$‑month annual salary

Position #:  – Requisition #: 38665

Job Description

Applications are accepted electronically only .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. The center focuses on research, education, and infrastructure, and will also conduct events to share findings with the community and inform public policymakers.

The Associate Research Professor will serve as Associate Director, providing 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, working with major donors, government officials, and directors at other agencies and universities.

• 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.

• 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.

• Five years…