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Associate Professor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Professor information

See Colorado salary details

$45.7K

$107.7K

$149.8K

How much do associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate professor in Colorado is $107,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,100.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by associate professors when balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Associate Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, teaching courses, mentoring students, and participating in departmental or university service. Balancing these can be challenging, especially when research expectations remain high while teaching loads and committee work increase after promotion. Successful Associate Professors typically develop strong time-management skills, collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, and seek mentorship or support from their academic community. Proactive planning and clear communication with department leadership can also help manage these competing demands.

What is the difference between Associate Professor vs Assistant Professor?

AspectAssociate ProfessorAssistant Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), significant research and teaching experienceDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), typically early in academic career
Work EnvironmentUniversity faculty, involved in teaching, research, and serviceUniversity faculty, primarily focused on teaching and beginning research
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research universitiesHigher education institutions, research universities

In summary, an Associate Professor is a more senior academic role with extensive research and teaching experience, while an Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position focused on developing research and teaching skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Professor, you need advanced subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your field, and a record of research and scholarly publication. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research software is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and productive collegial relationships. These competencies are essential for effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to academic communities.

What is an associate professor?

An associate professor teaches at a college or university campus and ranks below a full professor. As an associate professor, you still perform the primary job duties of a full professor, such as interacting with students, grading classroom assignments, assisting students with study techniques, and developing lesson plans. You may also spend part of your career working on research projects and writing articles for academic journals.

Do you need a PhD to be an associate professor?

Yes, most academic institutions require an associate professor to hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree. This qualification demonstrates expertise in the field and is typically necessary for tenure-track faculty positions at universities. Additional requirements may include teaching experience, research publications, and service contributions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Professor jobs in Colorado?

For Associate Professor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Associate Professor jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Associate Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Professor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,708 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Open Rank- Assistant Professor, Associate, Professor

University of Colorado

Aurora, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Neurosurgery

Job Title: Open Rank- Assistant Professor, Associate, Professor

Position #:00851440- Requisition #:40756

Job Summary:

The Department of Neurosurgery currently seeks a Neurosurgeon at the Assistant or Associate Professor level to join the Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (SFN) Team. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) faculty position which will include teaching, clinical, research, and service responsibilities. The position will work closely with other neurosurgeons to build and cover the Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery practice. This position is located at UCHealth Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Campus.

Key Responsibilities:

         Serve as a member of SFN team to build and cover the neurosurgical spine practice

         Work with residents on training them in your SFN subspecialty

         Work with the SFN Fellow to train them on the latest neurosurgical procedures in spine

         See patients in clinic to review their case and determine suitability for surgery, 2 half day clinics/week

         Perform neurosurgery procedures on patients as determined by your medical/surgical expertise, 1 - 2 blocks/week

         Work with the SFN Team to attain quality metrics set by Dept of Neurosurgery

         Work with SFN Team to develop clinical trials and become a site for new innovative trials

         Maintain all training, certifications, licensing to be up to date and able to practice

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is a comprehensive urban research university serving more than 28,000 students in metropolitan Denver and online. We award nearly 4,000 degrees each year, including more graduate and professional degrees than any other Colorado public institution. With our solid academic reputation, award-winning faculty and renowned researchers, we offer 119 highly rated degree programs through 13 schools and colleges. The University of Colorado Anschutz is well known for its distinctive and highly productive research programs, its world-class health facilities and its well-established partnerships in business, industry and government. These campuses currently have over $757 million in research awards each year. In addition to the wide array of health-related programs and facilities offered at CU Anschutz, a significant number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are taught at our comprehensive campus in the heart of downtown. As of 2026 the University of Colorado Anschutz was ranked #11 healthcare research institutions in the United States, and #13 worldwide from the Nature Index 2026.   

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical: Multiple plan options
  • Dental: Multiple plan options
  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
  • Holiday Days: 11/year
  • Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
  • ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Open Track: To support the growth of our faculty, selected candidates will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

Open Rank: Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate's demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

Assistant Professor:

         MD or DO

         Board Certified or Board Eligible in Neurosurgery

         Graduate of an American Board of Neurological Surgery residency program

         Maintains or is eligible for Colorado State Medical License

Associate Professor:

         MD or DO

         Board Certified or Board Eligible in Neurosurgery

         Graduate of an American Board of Neurological Surgery residency program

         Maintains or is eligible for Colorado State Medical License

         7 years of clinical experience with one or more of the following: minimally invasive spine surgery, complex spine surgery, spinal deformity surgery, and/or spinal oncology surgery (intra- and extradural).

Professor:

         MD or DO

         Board Certified or Board Eligible in Neurosurgery

         Graduate of an American Board of Neurological Surgery residency program

         Maintains or is eligible for Colorado State Medical License

         14 years of clinical experience with one or more of the following: minimally invasive spine surgery, complex spine surgery, spinal deformity surgery, and/or spinal oncology surgery (intra- and extradural).

Preferred Qualifications:

         Fellowship trained in Spinal Neurosurgery and/or substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: minimally invasive spine surgery, complex spine surgery, spinal deformity surgery, and/or spinal oncology surgery (intra- and extradural).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

         Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

o   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other physicians and staff at all levels throughout the institution.

o   Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability, with capacity for program building.

Conditions of Employment:

         Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.    A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.    Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.    Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Samuel Long; Samuel.long@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by September 10, 2026

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

Assistant Professor: $500,000 - $624,128

Associate Professor: $612,728 - $720,857

Professor: $682,828 - $758,698

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (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.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.


 


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