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Life Science Research Assistant Jobs in Colorado

Research Assistant

Denver, CO · On-site

$40K - $42K/yr

According to a 2020 study in Nature, the combined mass of man-made things now outweighs all life on ... science, public health, history, and economics. * Assigning, writing and/or promoting reports ...

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of horticultural science, technology innovation, and grower outreach. The Faculty Research Assistant will play a key role in ...

New

Research Assistant (part-time) 15-20 Hours per week to start then hours will ramp up Location ... life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal ...

Research Assistant (part-time) 15-20 Hours per week to start then hours will ramp up Location ... life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal ...

Research Assistant (part-time) 15-20 Hours per week to start then hours will ramp up Location ... life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal ...

Research Assistant (part-time) 15-20 Hours per week to start then hours will ramp up Location ... life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal ...

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Life Science Research Assistant information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$16

How much do life science research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for life science research assistant in Colorado is $16.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $16.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a life science research assistant?

Life Science Research Assistants are professionals who support scientists and researchers in conducting experiments, collecting data, and maintaining laboratory equipment in fields such as biology, biochemistry, and medicine. Their duties often include preparing samples, recording and analyzing experimental results, and ensuring laboratory compliance with safety standards. They play a vital role in helping research teams advance scientific knowledge and contribute to discoveries in health and life sciences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a life science research assistant?

To thrive as a Life Science Research Assistant, you need a solid background in biology or related sciences, laboratory techniques, and often a bachelor's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as Excel or GraphPad Prism), and sometimes certifications in laboratory safety are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and collaboration within research teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing reliable research results and supporting scientific discovery.

What are some common challenges faced by life science research assistants, and how can they be overcome?

Life Science Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, learning to use new laboratory technologies, and maintaining accurate records under time constraints. Adapting to rapidly changing project priorities and troubleshooting unexpected results are also common. Building strong organizational skills, staying proactive in learning new techniques, and maintaining open communication with supervising scientists and team members can help overcome these challenges and contribute to the success of research projects.

What is the difference between Life Science Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLife Science Research AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or related fieldAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsHospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Life Science Research Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Research Assistants typically focus on experimental design, data analysis, and supporting research projects, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Laboratory Technicians usually handle routine lab procedures, maintenance, and sample processing, often with an associate's degree or certification. Both roles work in similar environments and are essential in advancing scientific research, but their responsibilities and educational requirements differ.

What job categories do people searching Life Science Research Assistant jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Life Science Research Assistant jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Life Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Life Science Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Life Science Research Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,670 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado

Boulder, CO • On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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

146th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary
The University of Colorado's Center for Health and Neuroscience, Genes, and Environment (CUChange) has a Full-Time Professional Research Assistant position available. We seek a full-time research assistant to aid with a study on Cannabis health effects in palliative care of cancer in adults and across other projects as needed.
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 are a motivated team that conducts transdisciplinary research exploring factors linked with the potential health risks and health benefits of Cannabis use in a number of populations. We seek a professional research assistant to work primarily on a study of hemp-derived CBD for palliative care in cancer, with some responsibilities on other projects. This position is well suited for a recent graduate pursuing a career or planning an advanced degree in medicine, psychology, neuroscience, integrative physiology, translational human participant research, or other biomedical research. This position will primarily involve duties at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Responsibilities will include assisting with study participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling, leading study visits including informed consent, conducting self-report tasks with study participants, and data management and quality control. Capable of working effectively and respectfully with participants who may have physical or cognitive limitations and who come from a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, and personalities.
What We Can Offer
The annual salary range for this fulltime position is Salary $48,000 to $50,000.
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 creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Bachelor's degree, in psychology, neuroscience, life sciences, physiology, or another related field
  • Experience conducting human participant research appointments and eligibility screenings
  • Skilled at managing multiple priorities efficiently in fast-paced environments
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to work collaboratively with study staff, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduates, principal investigators, and other laboratories
  • Transportation to and from Anschutz Health Sciences Building

What We Would Like You to Have
  • Phlebotomy experience
  • REDCap project design and management
  • Experience conducting human clinical trials research and complying with IRB guidelines
  • Literacy in R/RStudio, statistical analyses
  • Experience handling biohazardous materials such as human blood, stool, and saliva samples
  • Wet lab experience (Extraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from whole blood, qPCR, real time PCR, sandwich and bead-based ELISA, Flow Cytometry)

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume/CV
  3. List of References (Used for Phone Reference Checks)
  4. optional: Transcripts/Proof of Degree

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.
For full consideration please apply by August 31, 2026.
Note : Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted 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.

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