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Senior Research Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Clinical Research Associate

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology Phase I - Denver, CO ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and ...

ICON

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology Phase I - Denver, CO ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and ...

Chathamfinancial

Research Associate

Denver, CO

$80K - $95K/yr

As a Research Product Associate at Chatham, you will help build the operating system behind the ... senior stakeholders. Comfort with technology and willingness to explore AI-enabled tools ...

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Senior Clinical Research Associate

Denver, CO · On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsResearch Associate JobsSenior Research Associate JobsSenior Research Associate Jobs in Colorado

Senior Research Associate information

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$23

$47

$68

How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in Colorado is $47.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.95 and $53.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior research associate?

A senior research associate is a clinical or social scientist who runs experiments or studies at a medical center, think tank, university, or for a pharmaceutical company. As a senior research associate, your job duties include performing clinical research, complex testing of samples, data collection, and analysis of results. In this job, you direct researchers in your lab and collaborate with other scientific professionals to design experiments or compare results. Qualifications and skills needed for this career include a bachelor’s degree in a field related to your work and several years of experience as a research associate. A master’s degree or Ph.D. with significant research or laboratory components can substitute for some job experience.

What is a senior research associate?

A Senior Research Associate is an experienced professional who leads and conducts advanced research projects within academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, supervising junior staff, and contributing to publications and grant proposals. Senior Research Associates often act as key members of research teams, providing expertise and ensuring projects are completed efficiently and accurately. Their role requires a strong background in their field, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior research associate?

To thrive as a Senior Research Associate, you need advanced research skills, data analysis expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD) in a scientific or technical field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate research outcomes, fostering innovation, and supporting collaboration within research teams.

What are some common challenges faced by senior research associates in managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Senior Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing hands-on experimental work, data analysis, and documentation while meeting project deadlines requires strong organizational skills and clear communication with team members. Proactively coordinating with principal investigators and cross-functional teams helps ensure that expectations are aligned, resources are available, and progress stays on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular team meetings can also aid in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Senior Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, relevant experienceMaster's or Ph.D., specialized research training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research teams, industry or academiaAdvanced research settings, independent projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, governmentResearch institutions, biotech firms, academia
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression, responsibilitiesMore specialized, higher-level research roles

The main difference between a Senior Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their experience, level of independence, and research responsibilities. Senior Research Associates typically support research projects with substantial experience, while Research Scientists often lead projects and require advanced degrees like a Ph.D. for more independent research roles. Both roles are vital in research environments, but Research Scientists usually hold a higher level of expertise and responsibility.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior research associate?

A senior research associate typically does not require a PhD, but many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or equivalent experience in the relevant field. Relevant skills, research experience, and technical proficiency often play a more significant role than the highest degree held.

How much does a senior research associate make in the US?

A senior research associate in the US typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Salaries can vary based on the organization and whether the role requires specialized skills or advanced degrees.
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The top searched job categories for Senior Research Associate jobs in Colorado are:

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Cities in Colorado with the most Senior Research Associate job openings:

Senior Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,514 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

KBI Biopharma, Inc.

Boulder, CO • On-site

$55K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

KBI Biopharma rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking motivated and detail-oriented scientists to join our analytical team supporting biopharmaceutical development programs. In this role, you will contribute to client-focused analytical projects by executing laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality scientific results.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform testing and method qualification of biotherapeutic samples using analytical techniques such as HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, SDS-PAGE, SDS-CGE, ELISA, UV-Vis, and other biophysical methods

  • Execute experimental protocols and interpret data

  • Analyze experimental data and document results in technical reports and electronic lab notebooks

  • Troubleshoot experiments and support process improvements

  • Present findings to internal teams and clients

  • Maintain familiarity with scientific literature

  • Ensure proper handling, labeling, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials

  • Contribute to team-based problem solving and continuous improvement

Skills & Competencies

Hands-on laboratory experience with analytical techniques

Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills

Ability to troubleshoot experiments

Effective technical writing and communication skills

Ability to work in team environments and interact with clients

Requirements:

Education & Experience

Research Associate I: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field; 0+ years experience

Research Associate II: Bachelor's degree with 2+ years experience or Master's with 0+ years

Senior Research Associate: Bachelor's degree with 4+ years experience or Master's with 2+ years

Salary:

$55,000-$85,000, depending on level.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

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