1

Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Colorado

Postdoctoral Associate

Boulder, CO · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

Who We Are The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is composed of Faculty, Staff, Research Assistants, Graduate Students, and Undergraduate Students. Through teaching, learning, research, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Colorado salary details

$44.7K

$90.4K

$122.5K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Colorado is $90,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $122,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong analytical and experimental skills, and a solid record of academic research. Familiarity with domain-specific laboratory techniques, data analysis software like MATLAB or R, and experience with academic publishing are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively help you stand out. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, disseminating findings, and contributing effectively to scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral research assistants when transitioning to independent research roles?

One common challenge for Postdoctoral Research Assistants is balancing the demands of supporting their supervisor's projects while developing their own independent research ideas. Navigating grant applications, building a publication record, and establishing professional networks can also be daunting. Additionally, adapting to new institutional cultures and expectations, especially when moving between universities or countries, requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating with colleagues can help ease this transition and set the stage for a successful independent research career.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Assistant vs Research Fellow?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssistantResearch Fellow
Required credentialsPhD or equivalentPhD or equivalent, often with additional experience
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, academic settingsResearch projects, academic institutions, sometimes independent
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations, sometimes industry
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesAdvanced research roles, independent research

The main difference between a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and a Research Fellow lies in experience level and independence. Postdoctoral Research Assistants typically work under supervision on specific projects, while Research Fellows often have more independence and may lead their own research. Both roles require a PhD and are common in academic and research settings.

What is a postdoctoral research assistant?

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant is a researcher who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD) and is engaged in further academic or scientific research. Their primary role is to conduct independent or collaborative research projects, often under the supervision of senior academics or principal investigators. Postdoctoral Research Assistants contribute to publications, grant writing, and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students. This position is typically temporary and is designed to provide additional training and experience before transitioning to more permanent academic or research roles.

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

The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,388 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$57K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 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

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs will not sponsor work visas or permanent resident applications for this position
Research Associate (Postdoctoral)
Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience
Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!
Who We Are
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Research Associate (postdoctoral) to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery-a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.
Salary/Pay Range: $57,000 - $63,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Non-Exempt/Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.
Work Location: On-Site
Benefits at a Glance
At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:
  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
  • Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
  • Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
  • Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
  • Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
  • Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary
The Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is seeking qualified applicants for a post-doctoral position in trauma psychology research. The fellow will work Dr. Charles Benight on an NSF-funded project conducting research-related activities, which include day-to-day research operations, data management and analysis, supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants as appropriate, and the preparation of manuscripts and grants.
The project centers around using multi-source data collection to understand and predict recovery and coping dynamics following acute traumatic injury. This is a two-year fellowship opportunity with the potential to extend depending on available funding. The fellow may submit their own grants during their appointment and has the opportunity to accumulate post-doctoral clinical and research hours that count
toward Colorado licensure.
Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
  • Research design, coordination of data analyses, data management, and writing up study results and disseminating research in appropriate venues.
  • Provide research supervision, mentorship, and direction for undergraduate and graduate students involved in the Institute.
  • Assisting Institute researchers with manuscript and grant writing.
  • Recruitment of research participants from a hospital setting.

This position is dependent on the availability of external grant funding. Funding is currently expected to last one year.
Tentative Search Timeline
  • Priority will be given to applications submitted by: May 4, 2026
  • Potential interview dates: May 11, 2026 - May 22, 2026
  • Potential start date: September 1, 2026.

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.
In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.
Qualifications
  • A Ph.D. in Social/Health/Developmental/Clinical/Counseling Psychology or related field is required.
  • Must have experience designing and conducting research and writing reports/articles (as described in your application materials).
  • Grant writing experience is preferred.
  • Social cognitive research focus is preferred.
  • Trauma psychology focus is preferred.
  • Experience with advanced statistical modeling (linear and/or non-linear) is preferred.
  • Experience working in a medical environment is preferred.

Note: This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities, qualifications, and physical requirements of this role at UCCS. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. The university reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as needed to meet the university's needs.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.
Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented a misconduct history check program with respect to final candidates for specific appointments. The misconduct history check program is intended to allow UCCS to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination - before making hiring decisions. All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.

What University Of Colorado Boulder employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom