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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Colorado

University of 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 ...

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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 Sep 9, 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 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 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 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:

Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% 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.

Professional Research Assistant (Chemistry Technician)

Boulder, CO • On-site

University of Colorado Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering Department
See more jobs at University of Colorado Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering Departmentexternal

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We are a world-class department with 27 faculty (including 1 joint with chemistry), 39 postdoctoral fellows and research technicians, 128 graduate students, and more than 600 undergraduate students. Our research program is extremely active, including research centers in biorefining and biofuels, membranes, pharmaceutical biotechnology, and photopolymerization. 

Job Description

Your specific responsibilities in this position will be: to synthesize functional monomers, oligomers and polymers of the desired characteristics that are functional, pure and considered to be " click nucleic acids" based on thiol-vinyl chemistries. The monomers will be capable of being polymerized by one of several means and be functionalized with various nucleobases to enable sequence specific polymers to be produced. This person will be involved in the synthesis, functionalization, characterization and implementation of these novel materials.

The position requires significant interaction with students and Research Associates ("post-doctoral researchers"), along with the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Additional Information

To apply visit: http://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/95533

Applicants must complete the Faculty/University Staff and EEO Data (application) form, and upload the following required documents:

1 - Curriculum Vitae

2 - Proof of Highest Degree Earned

3 - Document 1: Letter of Recommendation

The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the ADA Coordinator.

The University of Colorado Boulder conducts background checks on all final applicants being considered for employment.

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