1

Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Lab Assistant information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Colorado is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Research Lab Assistant, you need a background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and knowledge of standard lab procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data management systems such as LIMS is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting research productivity.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research lab assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent; many positions prefer or require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or psychology. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or data analysis tools are also important qualifications.

How much is a research assistant paid?

Research lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, education level, and the complexity of the research. Salaries can vary based on the institution, location, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Lab Assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Research Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in data collection, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab work can be demanding, especially during busy project phases. Effective time management, clear communication with the research team, and organization skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges. Proactively seeking clarification and regular training on lab procedures can also help minimize errors and improve efficiency.

How much do lab assistants get paid?

Research lab assistants typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. Full-time positions may offer annual salaries between $25,000 and $45,000, often with opportunities for skill development and certification in laboratory techniques.

What does a Research Lab Assistant do?

A Research Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring the lab is clean and organized. They may also be responsible for documenting results, ordering supplies, and following safety protocols. Their role is essential for the smooth functioning of research projects and helps advance scientific studies efficiently.

What does a research assistant do in a lab?

A research lab assistant supports scientific experiments by preparing materials, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under the supervision of lead researchers and may use tools like microscopes, lab software, and data recording systems. Attention to detail and basic knowledge of scientific methods are important for this role.

What is the difference between Research Lab Assistant vs Research Technician?

AspectResearch Lab AssistantResearch Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's degree or specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experimentsLaboratory, often more hands-on with equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsResearch institutions, healthcare, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesClarifying technical support roles in labs

The main difference between a Research Lab Assistant and a Research Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Research Lab Assistants typically support experiments and perform basic lab tasks, often requiring an associate's degree. Research Technicians usually have more technical duties, including operating equipment and data collection, often with similar or additional certifications. Both roles are vital in research environments, but the Research Technician generally has more technical responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Assistant jobs in Colorado? For Research Lab Assistant jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Assistant jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Assistant jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,283 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Research Assistant - Liepkalns Lab

Research Assistant - Liepkalns Lab

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 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

417th of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:

This position is to work in the Liepkalns Laboratory that studies how students think and learn in the context of biology. The Liepkalns lab is part of the Program for Research in Immunology and Microbiology Education within the Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department at CSU. You will work directly with Dr Liepkalns to develop skills in applying the scientific method by leading or contributing to a research project. A goal of this position is for you to gain research experience and to begin developing independent leadership skills. We will initially have weekly meeting, but this can change as you feel more comfortable with your responsibilities. You will assist a team-member on their project, take the lead in parts of a project, and/or, if applicable, take the lead on your own project (based on experience). Responsibilities and expectations can change as you gain experience in the lab over time. You may be asked to help with administering surveys, running interviews, collecting data, analyzing data, and/or writing of the manuscript based on the stage of the research your assigned project is in. You do not need to have taken immunology or microbiology, however these classes do help and we can talk about how to provide that training if needed.

There are 2 types of projects you may be asked to contribute to:

Project type 1: Collect & analyze data on implemented class activities and prepare a manuscript for publication. You will be working on a team.

Project type 2: Collect & analyze data on how students think and reason through biological problems. If assigned to this project you will be analyzing data such as unpacking and coding survey / interview responses to decipher how students think about certain biological processes (eg., how vaccines work). Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to apply! If you enjoy writing or in psychology research, please apply!

Liepkalns lab: https://labs.vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/liepkalns/

PRIME group: https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/mip/prime/

Essential Job Duties:
  • Draft project manuscript and prepare it for publication.
  • Help design survey/interview prompts & administer surveys or interview (data collection).
  • Assist in data analysis and prepare data for presentations/publications.
  • Meet with PI and lab team regularly and present/discuss ongoing work.
  • Collaborate with and/or mentor lab members.
Conditions of Employment:

Employee will have access to the Liepkalns shard lab space in the same building as my office and meetings. There are 2 desks that can be used as shared desks. There is a lab computer (Mac) and a shared lab computer (PC) that the employee will have access to. The computers have the applications necessary to carry out their work on their projects.

A lot of the work can be done virtually but I expect them to come to campus every week for the first month at least.

Supervision:

I (Justine Liepkalns) will directly supervise the employee and work. We will work together on data analysis, manuscript preparation, and data presentation. I expect to meet with them at least once a week at first (in-person) and maybe we can meet every other week as the work on the project progresses.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • College degree
  • Has experience or is interested in gaining experience science writing
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Has background in biology or biology subdiscipline: Majoring or minoring in biology or biology subdiscipline in college is sufficient.
  • Has a background in psychology or social sciences.
  • Have experience in running studies in social sciences
Application Instructions:

To apply, submit a resume and a cover letter that highlights the most relevant accomplishments from your resume (limit to 2). The cover letter should address the following writing prompt in a 1-2 short paragraphs (half to 2/3 page in length): (A) This lab research position uses methods from the social sciences (Education Research: interviews, surveys,...) and studies psychology within a biology discipline that typically has bench-type labs. Why is this research of interest to you? (B) Your experience in writing and how you enjoy it and how you hold yourself accountable. (C) Include in your description careers you are considering and how this position is helping you. If you do not know what careers to explore, explain how this position is helping you determine a good career path for you.

Salary Range$18.00 - $20.00 per hourRequired 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