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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Colorado

PostDoctoral Associate

Boulder, CO · On-site

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Job Summary The experimental heavy ion group at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research under the direction of Professors Jamie Nagle ...

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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.

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:

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.

Research Associate I, II, or III

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$67K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 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 Research Assistant Professor supports the research mission of the School of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering through the development, execution, and dissemination of scholarly research activities. This position conducts independent and collaborative research, develops externally funded research programs, mentors students and research personnel, publishes scientific findings, and contributes to the advancement of the School's research portfolio. Successful candidates will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners across a variety of biomedical, chemical, and engineering research disciplines.


Department Name:

School of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering (SBCE)


Salary Range:

$67,226 to $89,000

Brief Work Unit Description:

The School of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering (SBCE) is an interdisciplinary academic unit focused on advancing education, research, and innovation at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and healthcare.


Anticipated Start Date:

Positions are filled as funding becomes available and departmental needs arise.


Essential Duties:
  • Develop and conduct independent and collaborative research programs aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the School.
  • Design, execute, analyze, and interpret research studies and experiments.
  • Prepare and publish scholarly manuscripts, technical reports, and other research products.
  • Develop and submit proposals to federal agencies, foundations, industry sponsors, and other funding organizations.
  • Collaborate with faculty investigators, research staff, students, and external partners on sponsored and non-sponsored research activities.
  • Mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, research personnel, and postdoctoral scholars as appropriate.
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences, professional meetings, and other scholarly venues.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, university, sponsor, laboratory safety, and research integrity requirements.
  • Contribute to the growth and advancement of the School's research enterprise through collaboration, innovation, and scholarly engagement.
  • Participate in service activities that support the research mission of the School, College, and University.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment:
  • Required Criminal History Background Check for new hires.
  • Successful completion of all required University onboarding and compliance training.
  • Compliance with University policies regarding laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical hygiene, research integrity, export controls, data security, and responsible conduct of research, as applicable.
  • Ability to work safely in laboratory, field, clinical, manufacturing, or other research environments associated with assigned projects.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States by the proposed start date. Sponsorship may be available consistent with University policy.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support research activities.

Supervision:

May provide technical direction, mentoring, or project oversight to students, research personnel, and other project participants. Direct supervisory responsibilities, if any, will be determined by project and funding needs.


Anticipated Weekly Hours:

Full-time. Work schedules may vary based on research activities, project requirements, laboratory operations, and funding sources. Occasional evening, weekend, or travel commitments may be required.


Required Job Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scholarly research.
  • Experience designing and executing research studies in an academic, government, healthcare, or industrial research environment.
  • Experience analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, or research proposals.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of interdisciplinary research teams.
  • Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, sponsors, and external collaborators.

Preferred Job Qualifications:
  • Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
  • Demonstrated record of scholarly publications.
  • Experience securing or supporting externally funded research projects.
  • Experience mentoring graduate students, undergraduate students, research staff, or postdoctoral scholars.
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary research environments.
  • Experience with laboratory, computational, clinical, translational, manufacturing, or engineering research methodologies relevant to the School's mission.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop collaborations with academic, government, healthcare, or industry partners.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. 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.


This posting will remain open until December 31, 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,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.


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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.

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Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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