1

Research Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

ASSOCIATE, EQUITY RESEARCH

Denver, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Associate, Equity Research About the Firm: Monticello Associates, LLC is an investment consulting firm serving foundations, endowments, and family office clients in an investment advisory capacity.

ASSOCIATE, EQUITY RESEARCH

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Associate, Equity Research About the Firm: Monticello Associates, LLC is an investment consulting firm serving foundations, endowments, and family office clients in an investment advisory capacity.

The Clinical & Endpoint Research Associate supports site operations with a primary focus on domestic and international travel to complete Site Endpoint Evaluation Visits (SEEVs) and assists with ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - West Region ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Associate information

See Colorado salary details

$17

$34

$49

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Colorado is $34.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.55 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

Is CRA an entry level job?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is typically an intermediate to senior role that requires prior experience in clinical research, monitoring, or related fields. Entry-level positions in clinical research may be labeled as Clinical Research Coordinator or Research Assistant, with CRAs often needing relevant certifications and some industry experience. However, some companies offer entry-level CRA roles for candidates with strong educational backgrounds and related skills.

What are Research Associates?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

How much does a research associate earn?

Research associates typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location and the organization’s size.

What Does a Research Associate Do?

As a research associate, you conduct research and analysis as directed by a senior researcher or project manager. Researchers work in a number of fields, including medical science, the social sciences, natural sciences, finance, management, and academia. Your specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, but some features of your work are similar across industries. You typically do primary and secondary source research, organize and process data, analyze said data, and report on your findings to lead researchers or clinicians.

What are some typical challenges a Research Associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What is the work of a research associate?

A research associate conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data, and supports the development of research projects in academic, scientific, or industry settings. They often use specialized tools and follow protocols to ensure accurate results and may assist in preparing reports or publications.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

Research associates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools, and experience in data collection and analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Research jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Associate jobs in Colorado? For Research Associate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Research Associate jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,172 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
MIP Research Associate I, II, or III - Open Pool (Evergreen)

MIP Research Associate I, II, or III - Open Pool (Evergreen)

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO

$42K - $60K/yr

Other

Posted 9 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

426th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology (MIP) is comprised of over 500 individuals who share a common passion for solving some of the most important human and animal health problems today. Research programs include those related to mycobacteria, retroviruses, prions, and arthropod-borne infectious diseases, as well as the diagnostic investigation of naturally-occurring animal diseases. A leader in education,MIPprovides the only microbiology undergraduate degree program in Colorado, graduate programs that provides training in a number of cutting-edge disciplines, and several specialized veterinary residency training programs.
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation's leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

Position Summary & Essential Duties:

The department accepts applications on an ongoing basis from individuals who are interested in obtaining research positions within the department in laboratories in the areas of infectious disease research. The open positions may be temporary or special assignment and may be for limited time periods. This is an open pool, and applications will be forwarded to open positions as they become available.
Research Associate positions may be available in the area of infectious disease research. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.
These positions include interaction with the Principal Investigator as well as other research assistants. The individual will be part of a team of researchers completing a federally funded research project and will have a broad range of responsibilities which may include but are not limited to:

  • General lab organization and ordering of supplies.

  • Management of records associated with compliance with Human or Animal Institutional Review Board protocols and guidelines.

  • Data collection and subsequent analysis using custom computer programs.

  • Data entry and management of electronic data records.

  • Statistical analysis.

  • Training other personnel in data collection and analysis.

  • Supervision of the activities of undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.

  • Physiological experiments with animals.

  • Handling of laboratory animals and tissue/blood samples.

  • Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate.

  • Write reports, check documentation, maintain inventory, maintain critical data, and insure compliance with grant criteria.

Salary Ranges:

Research Associate I: $42,000 - $60,000

Research Associate II: $50,000 - $70,000

Research Associate III: $52,000 - $80,000

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.

Required qualification, rank and salary determined by specific position to be filled.

  • Level Iis for individuals with a Bachelor's degree and less than 3 years of relevant professional experience.

  • Level IIis for individuals with a Bachelor's degree and 3 or more years of relevant professional experience or a Master's degree with no experience.

  • LevelIIIis for individuals with a Bachelor's degree and 5 or more years of experience or a Master's degree with 2 years of experience. Individuals with a PhD who have no experience may also be appointed to this position if appropriate.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by time of application; the Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology department will not provide visa sponsorship for these positions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with knowledge and experience in one or more of the following fields are preferred: bacteriology, virology, parasitology, pathology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, prion biology or vector biology.

One-year of work experience is also preferred.

Conditions of Employment:

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

Supervision:

This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.

Full Consideration Date:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on December 31st, 2026.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter outlining your specific area(s) of expertise and curriculum vitae. This pool is valid through December 31, 2026. Individuals 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.


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