1

Research Program Coordinator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Promotes and enrolls clinical research patients into research program * Attends study surgeries and ... Coordinates scheduling needs with other departments * High attention to detail and accuracy

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Program Coordinator information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$57.8K

$99.9K

How much do research program coordinator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research program coordinator in Colorado is $57,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $65,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research program coordinator?

Research Program Coordinators are professionals responsible for managing and supporting the administrative and operational aspects of research projects. They coordinate activities such as recruiting study participants, maintaining study records, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and facilitating communication among research teams. Their role is vital in helping research projects run smoothly and efficiently, often acting as the primary point of contact between investigators, participants, and institutional review boards. Research Program Coordinators may work in academic, healthcare, or private research settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research program coordinator?

To thrive as a Research Program Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, experience in research administration, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in science or public health. Familiarity with research compliance systems, IRB protocols, and data management tools like REDCap or SPSS is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help you effectively coordinate teams and manage complex projects. These competencies ensure research programs run efficiently, adhere to regulations, and achieve their objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by research program coordinators and how can they be managed effectively?

Research Program Coordinators often juggle multiple studies and stakeholders, which can present challenges in time management, communication, and regulatory compliance. Balancing the needs of investigators, participants, and sponsors while ensuring adherence to protocols requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proactively setting clear timelines, maintaining thorough documentation, and fostering open communication within the research team can help manage these challenges effectively. Additionally, staying updated on institutional and federal regulations is essential to ensure all research activities remain compliant.

What is the difference between Research Program Coordinator vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch Program CoordinatorResearch Assistant
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; some roles prefer master'sTypically requires a bachelor's degree or current student status
Work EnvironmentCoordinates multiple projects, liaises with teams, manages schedulesSupports data collection, literature review, and basic research tasks
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, healthcare organizationsUniversities, labs, research centers

The Research Program Coordinator focuses on managing research projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring smooth operations. In contrast, the Research Assistant primarily supports data collection and analysis tasks. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in responsibilities and level of oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Program jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Research Program jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Research Program Coordinator jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Research Program Coordinator job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Program Coordinator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,798 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Laboratory & Research Program Coordinator

Boulder, CO • On-site

University of Colorado Boulder
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Requisition Number:

74547

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Part-Time

Posting Close Date:

02-Sep-2026

Date Posted:

31-Aug-2026
Close All
Job Summary

The Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) seeks a Laboratory and Research Program Coordinator to support a growing portfolio of research in electromagnetics, radio-frequency engineering, quantum sensing, and related national security technologies.

The position will work closely with the research lead and members of the research team to coordinate laboratory activities, organize project information and schedules, support proposal and report development, and serve as a primary point of coordination between the research group and NSI and university support organizations.

The position is expected to begin at approximately 20% FTE, with the potential to increase over time, up to full-time, based on growth in the research portfolio, available sponsored funding, and programmatic need. Responsibilities and workload will be scaled to the level of effort available.

Job Summary:

The Laboratory and Research Program Coordinator will provide hands-on coordination and organizational support for an expanding research laboratory and associated sponsored-research portfolio.

At the initial 20% level of effort, the position will focus on the highest-priority activities needed to keep the research group organized and operating effectively. These include maintaining project and laboratory schedules; tracking actions, milestones, deliverables, and administrative requirements; coordinating meetings and research activities; supporting the preparation and assembly of proposals, technical reports, presentations, and sponsor updates; and helping research personnel navigate established NSI and university administrative processes.

The coordinator will serve as a liaison between the research group and appropriate NSI and university personnel in areas such as project management, contracts and grants, financial administration, purchasing, human resources, information technology, information security, export control, and communications. The position will coordinate with university personnel who hold formal responsibility or institutional authority for these functions.

As the research portfolio and available funding grow, the position may assume additional responsibility for laboratory operations, research program coordination, proposal development, sponsor engagement, student and researcher coordination, and other activities appropriate to an expanded level of effort.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are

The Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at the University of Colorado Boulder provides high-impact national security research and workforce development enabled by world-class research scientists and essential infrastructure. The Center addresses the ever-increasing demand for qualified and experienced defense professionals in Colorado and across the nation by creating a prime opportunity for on-demand research collaboration in the national security research enterprise.

At NSI, our researchers both extend and deepen the national security research done across the University. We create a wide range of opportunities for training students at all levels of studies and create a pathway to postgraduate jobs and service.

NSI is committed to excellence through diversity by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, enhancing the success and inclusion of all students, staff and faculty, and deepening our ability to share and engage with diverse perspectives.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Laboratory and Research Activity Coordination:

  • Coordinate schedules and activities associated with the research laboratory and its projects.
  • Maintain a consolidated calendar of important research activities, meetings, sponsor engagements, demonstrations, conferences, project milestones, and deliverable dates.
  • Coordinate meetings involving research staff, faculty collaborators, students, sponsors, and university partners.
  • Track action items and follow up with responsible team members to support timely completion.
  • Coordinate laboratory access, demonstrations, visitors, equipment activities, and other operational needs in collaboration with the appropriate personnel.
  • Support onboarding and integration of students, research personnel, and collaborators into laboratory activities as directed by the research lead and consistent with university requirements.

Research Project Coordination:

  • Maintain organized records of project objectives, schedules, milestones, deliverables, personnel assignments, and upcoming requirements.
  • Assist the research lead and project teams with monitoring progress across multiple sponsored and internally funded activities.
  • Identify upcoming deadlines, dependencies, or administrative requirements and bring them to the attention of the appropriate project lead or NSI support function.
  • Coordinate with NSI project managers when formal project-management support is assigned to an effort.
  • Help ensure that project information needed by researchers, project managers, and administrative personnel is organized and readily available.

Proposal, Report, and Technical Material Support:

  • Coordinate development schedules and contributions for research proposals, white papers, technical reports, sponsor presentations, and other project materials.
  • Assemble and organize inputs from investigators, research staff, students, and university support personnel.
  • Assist with editing, formatting, document preparation, graphics coordination, and production of proposal and report materials.
  • Track required technical and administrative contributions and follow up with responsible participants.
  • Help maintain reusable descriptions of research capabilities, laboratory resources, technical accomplishments, and other approved material for proposals and presentations.
  • Coordinate with NSI communications personnel on website or external communications describing laboratory activities and accomplishments.

Administrative and University Coordination:

  • Serve as a primary administrative point of contact for the research group and help route needs to the appropriate NSI or university office.
  • Coordinate with NSI Operations, the NSI PMO, the Office of Contracts and Grants, financial administrators, OIT, information-security personnel, export-control personnel, and other university offices as appropriate.
  • Help researchers assemble information needed for purchasing, travel, software requests, laboratory access, agreements, compliance activities, and other established university processes.
  • Track the status of requests and follow up with the appropriate university personnel.
  • Assist the research lead with organizing administrative requirements and deadlines across the research portfolio.

Sponsor and Collaboration Support:

  • Help organize sponsor meetings, laboratory demonstrations, technical exchanges, and visits.
  • Coordinate logistics and preparation of materials for sponsor engagements.
  • Maintain appropriate records of follow-up actions and commitments arising from meetings.
  • Support communication among research personnel, academic collaborators, government and industry partners, and NSI personnel at the direction of the research lead.
  • Assist with identifying and organizing information relevant to future research opportunities and collaborations.
What You Should Know
  • Travel out-of-state may be required.
  • Irregular work hours including evenings and weekends may be required.
What We Can Offer
  • The annual salary for this 20% time position is $20,000 - $23,000.
Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Master's degree in engineering, science, research administration, project management, business, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience supporting or coordinating university research programs, technical, laboratory, engineering, and other complex project activities.
  • Experience supporting sponsored research projects, proposal development, laboratory operations, or technical program management.
  • Experience working in a university research environment.
  • Experience with university administration and operations.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, programs, activities, deadlines, and stakeholders.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with researchers, faculty, students, administrative professionals, and external partners.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and appropriately identify when an issue requires action by an authorized university office or subject-matter expert.
What You Will Need
  • Due to the nature, scope and sponsor of the work, the position is limited to only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
  • For more information about clearance requirements please visit: https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Investigations-Clearance-Process/
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
  • Experience working in a government laboratory, federally funded research organization, or technology-focused research organization.
  • Familiarity with research involving government or defense sponsors.
  • Experience working with technical teams in RF engineering, electromagnetics, quantum technologies, aerospace, computer science or related fields.
  • Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and activities across organizational boundaries.
  • Active or eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance at the Secret level or higher.
Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:

  1. Current resume/CV
  2. Cover letter
  3. (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional document.
Please apply by September 2, 2026 for full consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.


In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

What University Of Colorado Boulder employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom