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Research Trainee Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Fellow/Trainee

Aurora, CO · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Postdoctoral Fellow/Trainee Position #00850822 - Requisition #40576 Job Summary: This position ... This position is for a PhD post-doctoral researcher with experience in molecular virology, cell ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Trainee information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$20

$48

How much do research trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for research trainee in Colorado is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.09 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research trainee?

Research trainees are individuals, often students or early-career professionals, who work under the guidance of experienced researchers to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in conducting scientific or academic research. They assist with various aspects of research projects, such as data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and laboratory work. The goal is to provide practical training that prepares them for future independent research roles or advanced studies. Research traineeships are common in universities, research institutions, and some industries.

What are some common challenges research trainees face when transitioning from academic coursework to hands-on research projects?

Research Trainees often find the shift from structured academic learning to independent, hands-on research challenging. They may need to quickly learn new laboratory techniques, adapt to working with complex equipment, and manage their time between experiments, data analysis, and reporting results. Additionally, collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team and handling constructive feedback from supervisors can be demanding but are valuable for professional growth. Support from mentors and clear communication with team members can help trainees navigate these challenges successfully.

What do you do as a research trainee?

A research trainee assists with data collection, analysis, and literature reviews under the supervision of senior researchers. They often use tools like spreadsheets and statistical software and may be involved in preparing reports or presentations to support ongoing research projects.

What is the difference between Research Trainee vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch TraineeResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant degree programUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, research centers, academic institutionsLaboratories, universities, research projects
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, healthcare organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles, training positionsClarifying responsibilities of research support roles

Research Trainee positions are often entry-level roles for students or recent graduates gaining research experience, while Research Assistants typically hold a degree and support ongoing research projects. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Research Trainee is more focused on training and learning, whereas the Research Assistant has more defined responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Research Trainee, you need a solid foundation in research methods, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, often supported by a relevant degree or ongoing enrollment in an academic program. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and literature databases is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative and independent research settings. These competencies ensure that research is conducted accurately and efficiently, contributing to credible and impactful results.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Research jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Research Trainee jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Research Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Trainee job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,988 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Primary Care Researcher and Green Edelman Endowed Chair in Practice-Based Research- Open Rank- Assoc

University of Colorado

Aurora, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Department: School of Medicine | Department of Family Medicine
Job Title: Primary Care Researcher and Green Edelman Endowed Chair in Practice-Based Research- Open Rank-Associate, Professor
Position #00841859: - Requisition #38269:
Job Summary:
The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CU SOM) Department of Family (DFM) seeks an experienced researcher to fill the Green Edelman Endowed Chair in Practice-Based Research to collaborate and contribute to an active and growing research program in the DFM. This is a faculty position for an established researcher with a strong history of continuous funding who will utilize the Green Edelman position to further practice-based primary care research devoted to improving primary care, especially in the state of Colorado.
This position will be predominantly research focused, although some clinical work or teaching is possible depending upon candidate background and interests. The position will involve partnership with diverse programs, departments and disciplines across the CU SOM, as well as other schools, community and academic partner organizations. This position has a key role in collaborating and participating in the Colorado Ambulatory Partnership for Health Innovation and Research Excellence (CAMPHIRE), the DFM structure for supporting and engaging with Colorado primary care practices. The selected candidate may be eligible upon hire, or in the future, for a specific CAMPHIRE leadership role, however this is distinct from the Endowed Chair faculty position.
A specific candidate content area of interest and expertise is not required; although we are especially interested in the areas of practice and quality improvement, diabetes, obesity, exercise as medicine, cancer prevention and control, additions and/or chronic pain management and behavioral health. Research methods including drug, device and technology clinical trials, as well as pragmatic research methods are especially welcome. Existing methodological and content areas of expertise include: dissemination and implementation models and frameworks, pragmatic research methods and evaluation, qualitative and mixed methods approaches, clinical trials of innovative drugs, devices and treatments, social drivers of health, digital health and on-line resources, primary care and geriatric research, multi-level programs, health behavior change including diabetes and obesity, cancer prevention and control, and child health and welfare.
Position Duties:
The research faculty member will progress their own research as well as participate in DFM projects and will serve as a resource and mentor to junior faculty and trainees for developing health services research. This position reports to the Vice Chair of Research in the DFM. Specific duties include:
• Secure grants and contracts/contract vehicles (as PI and MPI) in health services research and participating (as a Co-I) in active research
• Manuscript preparation, editing, and dissemination of result
• Identify opportunities to collaborate with teams across departments, local organizations, and academic institutions across the country to conduct research and disseminate findings and tested intervention
• Build and maintain relationships with clinicians in the DFM, across campus, and in community and clinical setting
• Establish and maintain communication and promote collaboration within CU and other organization
• Provide professional development and research mentorship to junior faculty, research staff, residents and fellows in the DFM
• Provide oversight of project staff and identify professional development opportunitie
• May provide clinical services in our primary care or specialty clinics, as determined by the department and candidate
• May provide teaching in SOM or other clinical areas or non-clinical areas, as determined by the department and candidate
Work Location:
Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.
Why Join Us:
The CU Anschutz Department of Family Medicine (DFM) is one of the largest and receives some of the highest amounts of grant-funded research in the U.S. Currently #11 on the NIH Blue Ridge Rankings, the DFM has a vibrant research environment in which to grow one's career. We are innovators and experts in the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge through translational and practice-based research. Overall, CU Anschutz boasts excellent resources and centers, along with a collaborative spirit which promotes growth and opportunity. Join us and experience all that CU Anschutz, the DFM, and Colorado have to offer.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
• Medical: Multiple plan option
• Dental: Multiple plan option
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuse
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:
Associate Professor:
• Education: Terminal degree in Medicine or Osteopathy (MD or DO) or PhD or equivalent in behavioral or social sciences, public health, nursing, pharmacy, or another relevant area.
• Experience: Graduation from an accredited graduate program and combination of research post-doc and at least 5 years of experience working in practice-based research, implementation science, clinical trials, community-based research related to primary care practices, or health services research.
• Research funding: Track record of and demonstrated potential for extramurally funded research in practice-based research settings and in topical areas aligned with the department's focus on primary care and practice-based research
• Special Skills: Ability to meet the School of Medicine's criteria for associate professor. Already having the rank of associate professor elsewhere may facilitate this ranking. ONLY IF PHYSICIAN: Ability to obtain Colorado Medical License and possession of a current DEA Certificate. Ability to be fully credentialed with the UCH system and UPI Managed Care.
Professor:
• Education: Terminal degree in Medicine or Osteopathy (MD or DO) or PhD or equivalent in behavioral or social sciences, public health, nursing, pharmacy, or another relevant area.
• Experience: Graduation from an accredited graduate program and combination of research post doc and 8 or more years of experience working in practice-based research, implementation science, clinical trials, community-based research related to primary care practices, or health services research.
• Research funding: Track record of and demonstrated potential for extramurally funded research in practice-based research settings and in topical areas aligned with the department's focus on primary care and practice-based research.
• Special Skills: Ability to meet the School of Medicine's criteria for full professor. ONLY IF PHYSICIAN: Ability to obtain Colorado Medical License and possession of a current DEA Certificate. Ability to be fully credentialed with the UCH system and UPI Managed Care.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience leading or involvement with practice-based research networks.
• Experience leading or conducting practice improvement work in primary care.
• Demonstrated success obtaining extramural funding in a research, medical school, clinical school, or public health environment, and especially with a focus in practice-based research network
• Experience conducting research on areas of high interest to the DFM (see above).
• Strong publication and grant funding record.
• Experience and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring junior faculty, residents and fellows, and working with others in a collaborative environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following:
• Understanding of and commitment to practice-based research network
• Strong leadership and supervisory skill
• Strong teamwork skill
• Capacity for flexibility and adaptability in different work situation
• Ability to work well with diverse population
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with research center, departmental, clinical and community staff
• Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks and competing deadline
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently
• Experience training and developing staff
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email addre
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Lydia Lyon, Lydia.lyon@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Immediately and continues until 6/30/26.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
Associate Professor: $160,000 to $200,000
Professor: $190,000 to $250,000
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The University of Colorado (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.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

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