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Professional Researcher Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Researcher information

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$31.5K

$118.9K

$173K

How much do professional researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional researcher in Colorado is $118,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $161,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional researcher?

To thrive as a Professional Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, expertise in data collection and analysis, and a relevant advanced degree, such as a master's or Ph.D., depending on the field. Proficiency with research databases, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), and familiarity with citation management tools or industry-specific certifications are often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help researchers excel in compiling and reporting their findings. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous, high-quality research and effectively disseminating insights to stakeholders.

What does a professional researcher do?

A Professional Researcher typically engages in designing and conducting studies, gathering and analyzing data, and synthesizing findings into reports or presentations. They may collaborate closely with other researchers, subject matter experts, or stakeholders to shape research questions and ensure the validity of results. Daily tasks often include literature reviews, data collection (such as interviews or surveys), drafting grant proposals, and presenting outcomes at team meetings. This role combines independent work with frequent collaboration, offering variety and opportunities to build deep expertise in a chosen field.

What is a professional researcher?

A Professional Researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support decision-making in various fields such as academia, business, science, or government. They use various research methods, including data collection, literature reviews, and qualitative or quantitative analysis. Their work often involves synthesizing findings into reports, presentations, or publications. Professional Researchers must have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Researcher jobs in Colorado? For Professional Researcher jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Professional Researcher jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Professional Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Researcher job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,929 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

HDFS - Research Associate I, II, or III - Open Pool

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$40K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 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


Position Summary
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University seeks applications for temporary or special Research Associate I, II, or III.
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. These positions include interaction with the Principal Investigator as well as other research assistants. These individuals will be part of a team of researchers completing a federally funded research project and will have a broad range of responsibilities.
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.
Salary Range
$40,000 - $85,000
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 Human Development and Family Studies. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree that reflects training in Human Development and Family Studies, Nutrition, Health and Exercise Science, Public Health, or related field.

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.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:
  • Prior research experience and training with human subjects.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Experience in observational research, surveys and questionnaires preferred.
  • Other research experience with data collection and analysis, familiarity with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and a statistical software package preferred.
  • Prior experience in the day-to-day organization of research projects, including recruitment of and contact with study participants, coordination of data collection activities, and data management.

Application Instructions
To apply, submit a cover letter which addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and a current resume or CV. 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 evergreen posting will remain open and continue collecting applications until December 31, 2026. Applicants who wish to be considered after 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

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

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