Prospective Students

Thinh Bui (l) and Bryce Bjork (r) in the lab.

Graduate students in the Ye Labs using frequency comb spectroscopy to watch a chemical reaction unfold.

Image Credit
The Ye group and Steven Burrows / JILA

As a federally funded research institute based on the University of Colorado Boulder Campus, JILA hires CU students—both graduate and undergraduate—to work as research assistants or technical staff assistants.

As a young scientist at JILA, you will find unparalleled research opportunities in various areas of physics. For a comprehensive list of research projects, visit our research page

JILA faculty and students collaborate with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and maintain cordial relationships with researchers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Because of our collaborative nature, students at JILA are encouraged to engage in multi- and cross-disciplinary investigations. For instance, JILA students with backgrounds in chemistry, biology or engineering have investigated novel questions at the boundary of their fields using JILA’s resources. 

Students and postdoctoral research associates trained at JILA are in demand in industry and academia. Most of them readily secure postdoctoral, faculty, research, or management positions in academia, government and private research organizations, or industry. 

To ensure our students succeed both at JILA and in years after, we offer a multitude of professional training services. In addition to our technical support staff, who teach students exemplary techniques in instrument fabrication, electronic and circuit design, nanofabrication and science communication, JILA hosts workshops and seminars for students to learn the ins and outs of industry and research. Workshop and seminar topics vary widely, from negotiating strategies to research administration and ethics. 

Lastly, all JILA faculty, students and staff take pride in creating a collaborative and welcoming environment. Learn more about the JILA environment on our community page.

Video Tour of JILA Shops

JILA Shop Tours 2021