Research Manager Jobs in Colorado
Research Manager jobs in Colorado are concentrated in life sciences, public health, technology, and defense research, with demand steady across mid-career and senior levels. Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins anchor the hiring market, where organizations like the University of Colorado system, Lockheed Martin, and the National Jewish Health system regularly recruit research managers. The most in-demand specialties are clinical research management, behavioral and public health research, and applied R&D program oversight. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Research Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 13+ Research Manager jobs











University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Department: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Job Title: Research Services Program Manager
Position #:00851730 – Requisition #:40750
Job Summary:
The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is seeking a motivated, passionate and self-driven individual for a full time Clinical Science Research Program Manager position to assist faculty and residents with clinical trials research, developing a clinical research program and supervising the clinical research team within the division.
Clinical Science Research Program Managers perform clinical research related functions which may include patient-oriented research or research conducted with human subjects. Patient-oriented research includes mechanisms of human disease, therapeutic interventions, clinical trials, or development of new technologies. Clinical Science Research Program Managers may also assist with epidemiological and behavioral studies and/or outcomes research and health services research. Clinical Science Research Program Managers either act as work/team leads for 2 or more FTE Professionals, operate as Clinical Research Nurses (RN), or are the subject matter experts (SME) in a particular area. SMEs possess a deep knowledge and oversight of a specific process, function and/or technology. SMEs are considered an authority in the area and are educated on the subject and are also able to share their knowledge with other stakeholders. Some Assignments will not move beyond this level.
Example of Duties Performed
Lead and direct the day-to-day operations of clinical trials and studies
Perform as well as responsible for training all coordinators, students and research residents for multiple hospital locations (UCH, HRH and CHCO) in the following:
Collecting study subject’s medical history and current medication information, reviews research protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria, and confirms eligibility of subject to participate in clinical trial
Performing informed consent process or ensures that the informed consent process has occurred, is properly documented, and that informed consent form documents are filed as required
Interviewing prospective subjects for a variety of research clinical trials. Educate potential subjects on the details of the studies through phone contacts and personal interviews
Scheduling subject participation in research clinical trial, coordinating availability of necessary space, and clinical research support (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy)
Collecting, coding, and analyzing data obtained from research in an accurate and timely manner
Adhere to research regulatory standards
Maintain detailed records of studies to ensure compliance with requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), study protocols, department, hospital/clinical standard operating procedures and other regulatory guidelines
Participate in subject recruitment efforts, including communicating with patients expressing an interest and all pre-screening/screening activities
Ensure that the necessary supplies and equipment for studies are in stock and in working order
Independently master study materials, including but not limited to protocols, informed consent forms, and all other essential study documents for assigned studies
Independently perform study related processes, procedures, and assessments as defined in study protocol and in compliance with regulating bodies
Creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives
Act as a Primary Coordinator on multiple trials/studies
Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement developing protocol-specific systems and documents including process flows, training manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Case Report Forms (CRFs) that meet the requirements of study protocols, and research regulations and best practices (e.g., ICH guidelines, FDA code of Federal Regulations, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)). Examples of this include proactively preventing deviations, creating source documents, creating backup plans, and ensuring principal investigator oversight.
Identify, analyze, and lead improvements in operational workflows to enhance efficiency, data quality, and regulatory compliance; communicate findings and strategic recommendations to leadership
Lead feasibility assessments and develop data-driven recruitment and retention strategies; design, implement, and evaluate innovative approaches to optimize study enrollment and participant engagement
Serve as lead in study initiation and close out duties
Oversee and provide leadership to the team members, including managing day-to-day priorities, evaluating and redistributing workloads on a temporary basis, and mentoring staff across multiple sites and hospitals (UCH, HRH and CHCO)
Provide input and feedback to leadership on team members’ overall performance, performance evaluations, opportunities for development, and process improvement initiatives
Complete annual performance reviews on all clinical research staff in the division
Identify training and development opportunities for new and existing team members
Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and authority in the area(s) of clinical research.
Develop and manage study budgets, ensuring financial feasibility, appropriate cost recovery, and alignment with institutional billing compliance and sponsor requirements
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:
Study Coordination
Coordinate clinical research visits and collecting/recording data. This position includes comprehensive direct patient contact with a high-level of ethics and integrity.
Collect information to determine feasibility, recruitment, and retention strategies. Employ, evaluate, and assist with the implementation of innovative solutions to maximize recruitment and retention.
Coordinate and manage IRB submissions for study protocols, including initial applications, amendments, and reportable events, ensuring compliance with institutional and federal requirements
Data and Database Management
Review research proposal submission for the division.
Conduct literature reviews for investigators.
Collect, code, and analyze data obtained from research in an accurate and timely manner.
Open and maintain study protocols in OnCore.
Data entry, survey creation, and organization, and retrieval of data for research projects in REDCap and OnCore.
Designing and execution of research projects and analysis of data
Lead project planning, data interpretation and team presentations
Serve as a resource and participate in study initiation and close out duties.
Team Collaboration
Serve as a primary liaison across investigators, clinical teams, sponsors, CROs, and institutional departments, facilitating cross-functional collaboration and ensuring efficient study execution across all phases. The research services professional is responsible for providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders by presenting a positive image of the department and University.
Assist residents, medical students with abstract and manuscript writing.
Oversee and track research productivity across the division, including abstracts, manuscripts, and conference presentations for faculty, residents, and trainees
Communicate the research findings with the team during meetings when required.
Supervision
This position would be responsible for the supervision of research services professionals, medical students, and research fellows including job responsibilities delegation, annual performance reviews, and leave tracking/approval.
Work Location:
Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days in-person/2 days remote per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings in Aurora, CO.
Why Join Us:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- 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: 15/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in science or health related field (Biology or similar field)
Experience with research database management
Four (4) years of clinical research or related experience in an academic setting
Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with research database management
Five+ (5+) years of clinical research or related experience in an academic setting
Supervisory Experience
Exceptional interpersonal communications
Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s):
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of federal regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
(SME) Expert level knowledge of clinical research processes.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Curriculum vitae / Resume
Questions should be directed to: Jessica Wu (Jessica.2.wu@cuanschutz.edu)
Screening of Applications Begins:
Immediately and continues until position is filled
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as
$70,446 - $94,398
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 may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.
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
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
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@cuanschutz.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz 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.
See All 13 Research Manager Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Manager JobsResearch Manager Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Manager Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research manager jobs across Colorado.
- Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or technical field required
- Five or more years of experience managing research projects, teams, or grants in Colorado organizations
- Demonstrated experience with federal grant mechanisms such as NIH, NSF, or DARPA funding cycles
- Proficiency in research project management tools and IRB compliance protocols
- Strong data analysis skills with experience presenting findings to executive or scientific audiences
- Familiarity with Colorado's higher education, public health, or defense contractor research environments
Research Manager Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research manager in Colorado?
Most research managers in Colorado enter the role with a master's degree or doctorate in a field aligned to their research domain, such as public health, biology, social science, or engineering. Colorado does not issue a state license specific to research management, but clinical research managers often hold credentials from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Building experience as a research coordinator or project lead at a Colorado university, hospital, or national laboratory is the most common progression path.
How much do research managers make in Colorado?
Research managers in Colorado earn a median of about $152,730 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $89,900 for the lowest 10% to over $289,970 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research managers in Colorado?
Employers hiring research managers in Colorado right now include Danone, University of Colorado, and COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Colorado's concentration of federal laboratories, academic medical centers, and aerospace contractors means research management roles appear across a broad range of industries rather than clustering in a single sector.
Which Colorado cities have the most research manager jobs?
Louisville, Aurora, and Denver account for the largest share of research manager openings in Colorado. Denver's scale as the state's economic hub and its concentration of hospitals and government agencies drives the highest volume, while Boulder and Fort Collins benefit from the University of Colorado campuses, NCAR, and a dense cluster of biotech and technology firms that sustain consistent research management hiring.
Are there remote research manager jobs in Colorado?
Yes, and more than many research roles, because a significant portion of research management work involves planning, reporting, grant writing, and coordination rather than hands-on lab or field work. About 67% of research manager openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the desk-oriented side of the role. Grant management, data oversight, and program reporting positions are most frequently offered with flexible or fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a research manager in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research coordinator or research associate role at a Colorado university, hospital system, or federal laboratory. The University of Colorado system, Children's Hospital Colorado, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory all hire at the coordinator level and often promote internally. Building a record of grant coordination, IRB submissions, and project reporting, and pursuing a Certified Clinical Research Professional credential, gives candidates without management experience a concrete advantage when applying for manager-level roles.
Where can I find and apply to research manager jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to research manager jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, research domain, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 13 Research Manager Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Manager Jobs