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Phd Research Associate information

What is the difference between Phd Research Associate vs Postdoctoral Research Fellow?

AspectPhd Research AssociatePostdoctoral Research Fellow
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant field, research experiencePhD in relevant field, research experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutionsResearch labs, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, industryUniversities, research institutes
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Phd Research Associate and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow lies in their roles and career stages. Phd Research Associates are often early-career researchers working on specific projects, while Postdoctoral Fellows typically have completed their PhD and focus on independent research to advance their careers. Both roles require a PhD and involve research in academic or research settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Research Associate, you need advanced expertise in your research field, strong analytical abilities, and a PhD or equivalent qualification. Proficiency with data analysis software, laboratory instruments, and academic publishing tools is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, independent work ethic, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments. These skills are vital for producing high-quality research, meeting project goals, and contributing to scientific advancements.

How does a PhD research associate typically collaborate with faculty and other researchers within a university setting?

As a PhD Research Associate, you will frequently collaborate with faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on various research projects. This often involves participating in regular lab meetings, sharing research findings, and contributing to joint publications or grant proposals. You'll also be expected to provide mentorship to junior team members and assist with the coordination of experiments or data analysis. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as research projects are usually interdisciplinary and require input from multiple experts.

What is a PhD research associate?

PhD Research Associates are individuals who have completed or are near completion of a doctoral degree (PhD) and work on research projects, typically within academic or research institutions. They contribute to designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments or studies in their field of expertise. Their responsibilities often include publishing research findings, collaborating with other researchers, and sometimes supervising students or junior staff. This role is key for advancing scientific knowledge and often serves as a stepping stone to more independent academic or research careers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Phd Research jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Phd Research jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Phd Research Associate jobs in Colorado? For Phd Research Associate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Research Associate jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Research Associate jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Phd Research Associate jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Phd Research Associate job openings:
Phd Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Research Associate 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.

Research Associate I, II, III, IV or Senior - Open Pool

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Position Summary:
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Colorado State University seeks applications for temporary or special Research Associate I, II, III, IV or Senior positions in the areas of Gene Expression, Cellular Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biological Analytics, as well as database and/or software design and development for labs and/or course needs.
Research Associates work under the direction of individual faculty members and contribute to ongoing research activities specific to each lab. Duties, funding source, appointment length, and work modality (in-person, hybrid, or remote) vary by faculty lab.
Detailed descriptions of faculty research programs are available on the department website: https://www.bmb.colostate.edu/
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Department has limited funds and may not sponsor a new H1B visa for this position.
Full Consideration Date:
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on August 16, 2026.
Salary Range:
$34,000 - $75,000
Signing Bonus:
A signing bonus may be offered to successful candidates, up to $2,500, and this must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the hiring laboratory and departmental leadership.
Essential Job Duties:
Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:
  • Conducting laboratory, field, or computational research activities.
  • Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.
  • Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation.
  • Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation.
  • Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
  • Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Specific duties will be defined at the time of hire by the supervising faculty member.
Conditions of Employment:
Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).
Supervision:
This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in biological or biochemical sciences by the start date
  • Possess knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of a professional or scientific position, and skill in applying this knowledge in carrying out assignments, operations, or procedures.
  • Possess practical and/or technical knowledge to perform assignments such as carrying out limited projects that involve use of specialized, complicated techniques. Work involves some knowledge of the practical and potential values of research and experimentation in the field involved.

Research Associate Level Requirements:
  • Research Associate I: Bachelor's degree and fewer than 3 years of relevant, post-baccalaureate professional research experience
  • Research Associate II: Bachelor's degree with more than 3 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master's degree
  • Research Associate III: Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master's degree with at least 2 years of experience. Individuals with a PhD and no prior experience may be appointed at the Research Associate III level, if appropriate
  • Research Associate IV: Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of experience, a Master's degree and 5 years of experience or a PhD with 2 years of experience.
  • Senior Research Associate: PhD plus 5 years of experience and demonstrated group leadership activities.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:
  • One year experience in a biological laboratory is preferred.
  • Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as (polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, protein purifications), fluorescence microscopy, or cell culture (i.e., sterile technique) is a plus.

Application Instructions:
This is an evergreen posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. To apply, submit a cover letter which addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and a current resume or CV.
References may be contacted later in the hiring process, and will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. This pool will expire on August 16, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • Review our detailed benefits information here.
  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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About Colorado State University

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Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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