ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Colorado

University of Colorado

Postdoctoral Associate

Boulder, CO · On-site

$67K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary The Department of Physics invites applications for a PostDoctoral Associate! The ... Cover letter * Research statement describing past and proposed future research During the ...

University of Colorado

Postdoctoral Associate

Boulder, CO · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Through teaching, learning, research, and community outreach, we seek to promote scholarship at the intersection of psychology and neuroscience. Driving this mission is a deep, shared commitment to ...

University of Colorado Boulder

Postdoctoral Associate

Boulder, CO · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Research Faculty Schedule: Full-Time Date Posted: 27-Jul-2026 Close All Job Summary The primary responsibility of the hired individual will be to lead experiments involving whole-cell recordings from ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Colorado

Postdoctoral Research Associate information

See Colorado salary details

$44.7K

$90.4K

$122.5K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate 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 associate?

A Postdoctoral Research Associate, often called a postdoc, is a person who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in scholarly research as part of a temporary position, usually at a university or research institution. The role is designed to deepen their expertise in a specific field, contribute to research projects, publish academic papers, and develop skills for future independent research or academic positions. Postdocs typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator (PI) and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral research associate?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in a relevant field, strong research methodology skills, and a track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, or programming languages is often required, depending on the research area. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective written and verbal communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to scientific advancement, and securing future academic or industry positions.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsIndustry, corporate R&D, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, research institutesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma, tech firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Research Associates typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but may work in industry settings with broader responsibilities, including product development and applied research. The main difference lies in the work environment and career stage, with Postdoctoral Research Associates usually in early career research roles and Research Scientists in more advanced, industry-focused positions.

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

Postdoctoral Research Associates often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple research projects, securing independent funding, and developing a unique research identity separate from their advisor. Navigating the transition also involves building professional networks and gaining experience in grant writing, mentoring, and publishing as a lead author. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating across disciplines can help ease these challenges and support a successful move to an independent research career.

What is a postdoctoral research associate?

Postdoctoral research associates are professionals who have completed their doctorate and are continuing their research to gain hands-on experience before starting their academic careers. Their duties usually include researching with the support of a small team and writing papers for academic journals. Depending on the field of research, a postdoctoral research associate may also have other responsibilities. These positions are typically short-term.

More about Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs

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 Associate jobs?

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

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral 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, with an average salary of $90,388 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary

The Department of Agricultural Biology encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science - thus providing unique opportunities to address critical issues that cut across disciplinary boundaries. The department focuses its teaching, research, and outreach missions in four program areas each of which involves all three of the department's disciplinary roots in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science. Agricultural Biology emphasizes knowledge of pests and related organisms; the roles that they play in ecological, economic and social systems; and the application of such knowledge to developing economically and environmentally sound solutions for practical problems. Being interdisciplinary in nature, Agricultural Biology values cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as other relevant entities in the Colorado and beyond.

The position will focus on studying plant-virus-vector interactions in hemp, with an emphasis on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense responses to insect vectors and insect-vectored pathogens. This research will employ integrative approaches that combine ecology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbiome analyses, and functional genomics. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and the interpretation of complex multi-omics datasets. Additional responsibilities include preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, presenting research findings at scientific conferences, and contributing to grant writing efforts.

Full consideration date: Monday, August 10, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).
Essential Job Duties:

  • Conducting greenhouse, laboratory, and field experiments focused on plant-virus-vector interactions in hemp.

  • Performing molecular, biochemical, and multi-omics analyses, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbiome analyses, and related techniques.

  • Collecting, managing, and analyzing experimental and large-scale biological datasets using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics approaches.

  • Preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and presenting research findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings.

  • Assisting with grant writing, project coordination, and reporting activities: Maintaining accurate research records and ensuring compliance with university, greenhouse, and laboratory safety protocols.

  • Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research activities.

  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers, extension personnel, and stakeholders on research and outreach initiatives.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires)

  • Valid driver's license or access to qualified driver by employment start date.

  • Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.

Supervision:

  • The individual will be expected to train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project through active mentorship and hands-on instruction in laboratory, greenhouse, field, and data analysis techniques. This role will provide the postdoctoral researcher with opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills while offering students valuable experience in interdisciplinary agricultural research.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Entomology, plant pathology, molecular biology, or other closely related fields.

  • Experience in conducting greenhouse, laboratory, and field experiments focused on plant-insect and plant-virus-vector interactions.

  • Experience in insect molecular biology methods (RNA/DNA extraction, RT-PCR, sequencing, serological assays, RNAi, confocal microscopy)

  • Experience in analyzing big data sets from multi- "omics" techniques and/or using various bioinformatic and statistical tools, such as Python, R, and other languages/software

  • Proven ability to conduct and publish independent research.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2-3 years of post-doc experience

  • Assisting with grant writing, project coordination, and reporting activities.

  • Experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students

  • Field experience

  • Strong organizational skills.

Salary Range$60,000 - $65,000Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV 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,CSUis 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,CSUconducts 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.

What Colorado State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Colorado State University logo

About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Colorado State University Jobs

Apply