1

Graduate Researcher Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

With moderate oversight, the Research Assistant I provides direct support to Clinical Research ... High school graduate or equivalent. * Excellent computer skills and advanced knowledge of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Researcher Assistant information

What is a graduate researcher assistant?

A Graduate Researcher Assistant is a graduate student who supports faculty members or research teams with academic or scientific research projects. Their responsibilities often include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, performing literature reviews, and helping prepare reports or publications. This position provides valuable hands-on experience in research methodologies and can be an essential step toward a career in academia or industry. Graduate Researcher Assistants typically work part-time while pursuing their own graduate studies.

What are the typical responsibilities and expectations for a graduate researcher assistant in a university setting?

Graduate Researcher Assistants are often tasked with supporting faculty-led research projects, which may include conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and maintaining lab equipment or databases. They are expected to manage their time effectively to balance research duties with their graduate coursework. Collaboration with professors, fellow students, and sometimes external partners is common, and assistants are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative within their assigned projects. This role offers valuable experience in research methodologies and can lead to future academic or industry opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate researcher assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Researcher Assistant, you need strong research methodology knowledge, data analysis skills, and a relevant academic background, often at the graduate level. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), reference management tools, and academic databases is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on research teams and presenting findings. These skills and tools are crucial for producing high-quality research, supporting faculty, and contributing meaningful insights to academic projects.

What is the difference between Graduate Researcher Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Researcher AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsGraduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in relevant fieldUndergraduate or graduate student, often pursuing related degree
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institution, often part-time or assistantshipResearch labs, industry, or academic settings, typically temporary
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research centers, academic projectsCompanies, research firms, industry-specific projects
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research roles, career pathwaysExploring internship opportunities, gaining research experience

In summary, a Graduate Researcher Assistant typically holds a graduate degree and works within academic or research institutions, focusing on scholarly research. A Research Intern is usually a student gaining industry or academic research experience through temporary internships. Both roles involve research tasks but differ mainly in credentials, work environment, and career stage.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Graduate Researcher Assistant jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Graduate Researcher Assistant job openings:

Professional Research Assistant

Boulder, CO • On-site

University of Colorado Boulder
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$44K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Learn and utilize genetic, biochemical, and cell biological strategies to study proteasome assembly and spatial quality control.

  • Apply laboratory techniques related to handling model organisms, DNA analysis, and protein methods as part of research activities.

  • Contribute to research projects focused on understanding proteasome malfunction and its implications in diseases.


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number:

74047

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

11-Aug-2026
Close All
Job Summary
A Professional Research Assistant Position is available in the Park laboratory in the MCDB Department at University of Colorado-Boulder.
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
We study how cells destroy old or damaged proteins, by building a molecular machine, known as the proteasome. In many cancers and neurodegenerative syndromes (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), the proteasome is known to malfunction. Consequently, "bad" proteins build up and form toxic aggregates. Our goal is to find a new rationale to fix proteasome malfunction. For this, we discovered how cells build functional proteasomes, using dedicated proteins-assembly chaperones. The Park laboratory has established both in vitro and in vivo systems to address this fundamentally important problem. To learn more about our research, please refer to the website (https://www.colorado.edu/mcdb/soyeon-park).
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
  • A prospective Professional Research Assistant will learn and utilize various genetic, biochemical and cell biological strategies to study "novel spatial quality control" during proteasome assembly (see our recent paper in Nature Communications, 2025, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58703-8). This mechanism involves nuclear localization signals of proteasome subunits, and evolutionarily conserved chaperones, including Gankyrin, a known onco-protein in humans.
What You Should Know
  • A minimum two year commitment for the position is desired.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $44,000 to $49,000 annually.
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
  • Bachelor's Degree preferably in Biology or related scientific field.
What You Will Need
  • Experience with any model organisms (e.g. yeast, plant, worm) is important, including handling, culture, and storage.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Proficiency with PCR, plasmid cloning, DNA gel electrophoresis, basic protein methods (protein extraction, SDS-PAGE etc.) is a plus.
  • Some experience with structural analysis of proteins is a plus (e.g. alphafold, Chimera etc.)
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials as PDFs:
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

Please apply by August 25, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain posted until filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs. 

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.

What University Of Colorado Boulder employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom