Procurement Assistant

Job Summary

The Department of Chemistry welcomes applications for a Procurement Assistant, who will assist with the management and procurement of chemicals, instruments, and laboratory equipment for stockroom inventories and specific departmental requests across two campus locations.

As a Procurement Assistant, you will serve as a point of contact for inventory questions, inquiries, issues with vendors and any other general customer service. This position will collaborate with the Procurement and ChemStores ISC Manager and Finance and Accounting Manager in creating purchase orders, requesting quotes from vendors, handling returns, and working with the PRS and other departments to ensure the proper process and procedures are met.

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.

Who We Are

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder emphasizes knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular theory, the states of matter, and reactivities and properties of chemical substances. Students study the basic subfields of chemistry, such as organic, physical, analytical, and inorganic chemistry, all while developing the mathematical skills to understand fundamental chemical relationships and to manipulate experimental data. Graduates also learn safe chemical practices, including handling waste, safety equipment, assembling chemical apparatus and designing experiments.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

ChemStores Procurement & Inventory Management

  • Evaluates all aspects of the inventory composition, stock levels, and controls to improve inventory efficiency and financial performance of the operation. Seeks to develop new vendor relationships for hard-to-find items and/or to improve the cost-effectiveness of providing commonly used items. Works with staff and faculty to understand emerging needs based on specific research and suggests ways to supply unique materials.
  • Takes the lead on all inventory inquiries and issues with specific vendors to include missing, late, or incomplete orders or unsatisfactory condition of received goods. Ensures that materials in unacceptable conditions are not received and are refunded or reshipped from the vendor or credited back to the University.
  • Coordinates between faculty, vendors, and Central Campus Receiving to improve the efficiency of large or unique deliveries, appropriately managing the capacity of staging areas within ChemStores. Understands and meets unique requirements of special deliveries to protect the value and usefulness of the purchase.
  • Uses judgment to suggest and provide vendor product substitutions when necessary and keeps all parties informed about vendor/supply chain status.
  • Oversees and uses the PRS system to update the status of items that are delayed or backordered
  • Uses CU Marketplace, the procurement card system, and other internal systems to place orders for products and services that provide value to the faculty, staff, students, and research personnel.
  • Procure and supervise gas cylinder receiving and returns and correct any discrepancies.
  • Monitor issues that involve central distribution, freight shipments and returning of items.
Operations Support
  • Support Fiscal Year End (FYE) processes with the review of encumbrances and financial details of ChemStores expenses for both ChemStores East and West.
  • Serves as a resource or guide to students by advising them on how to use established processes.
  • Collaborate with the Procurement and ChemStores ISC Manager and all other ChemStores personnel to meet customer needs.
  • Support the marketing and promotion of ChemStores while delegating tasks to student assistants, as needed.
  • Contribute to creating and maintaining processes, procedures, directions, training, unit policies, and resolutions related to ChemStores.
  • Be responsible for the FedEx account as well as shipments going through FedEx.
General Administrative Support
  • Support payment processes and issues with incorrect speedtypes.
  • Assist the Facilities and Asset Manager as well as the Finance team with related tasks as needed.
  • Assist with other duties as assigned.
What You Should Know
  • Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in person. This schedule may be subject to change.
What We Can Offer
  • The salary for this classified position is $46,128.
Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require
  • 2 years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
  • A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned is equal to two (2) years.
What You Will Need
  • Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain processes.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to build.
  • relationships with internal and external partners.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Exercise good judgment and synthesize diverse responsibilities.
  • Ability to identify and resolve issues related to procurement processes.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Bachelor's degree or the equivalent of education and experience.
  • Prior knowledge of chemical and lab safety.
  • General knowledge of laboratory equipment and commonly used chemicals.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft and Google software.
Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. A current resume that includes date ranges for each position held and whether the position was full-time or part-time.
  2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
  3. DD-214 for veteran applicants.
    • Qualified veterans are eligible for veteran’s preference points within the State classified system. If you are a veteran and would like to have your DD214 evaluated to determine your eligibility for preference points, please attach a copy of your DD214 to this posting. If you do not wish to upload a DD214, please email a copy to recruiting@colorado.edu and reference the job to which you are applying


We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by May 10, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

Select here for additional information regarding Classified Staff positions: https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/special-instructions-classified-staff-applicants

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu


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