Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation and sick days

Robust health coverage

Financial and retirement benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Colorado Springs is seeking a Research Associate (Postdoctoral) to join the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience. This role involves conducting trauma psychology research, managing data, and mentoring students. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field and have experience in research design and grant writing. The position offers competitive salary and generous benefits, making it an excellent opportunity for academic growth and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and conducting research and writing reports/articles.
• Grant writing experience is preferred.
• Social cognitive research focus is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate data analyses and write up study results.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Assist with manuscript and grant writing.

Skills

Research design

Data management and analysis

Grant writing

Advanced statistical modeling

Experience in trauma psychology

Education

Ph.D. in Social/Health/Developmental/Clinical/Counseling Psychology or related field

Job description

University of Colorado Colorado Springs will not sponsor work visas or permanent resident applications for this position.

Research Associate (Postdoctoral)

Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement. UCCS is actively seeking a Research Associate (postdoctoral) to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success. At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward‑thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary/Pay Range: $57,000 - $63,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Non‑Exempt/Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: On‑Site

Benefits at a Glance

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well‑being and holistic development.

Summary

The Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is seeking qualified applicants for a post‑doctoral position in trauma psychology research. The fellow will work with Dr. Charles Benight on an NSF‑funded project conducting research‑related activities, which include day‑to‑day research operations, data management and analysis, supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants as appropriate, and the preparation of manuscripts and grants.

The project centers around using multi‑source data collection to understand and predict recovery and coping dynamics following acute traumatic injury. This is a two‑year fellowship opportunity with the potential to extend depending on available funding. The fellow may submit their own grants during their appointment and has the opportunity to accumulate post‑doctoral clinical and research hours that count toward Colorado licensure.

Essential Functions

• Research design, coordination of data analyses, data management, and writing up study results and disseminating research in appropriate venues.
• Provide research supervision, mentorship, and direction for undergraduate and graduate students involved in the Institute.
• Assisting Institute researchers with manuscript and grant writing.
• Recruitment of research participants from a hospital setting.

This position is dependent on the availability of external grant funding. Funding is currently expected to last one year.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: May 4, 2026
• Potential interview dates: May 11, 2026 – May 22, 2026.
• Potential start date: September 1, 2026.

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.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Social/Health/Developmental/Clinical/Counseling Psychology or related field is required.
• Must have experience designing and conducting research and writing reports/articles (as described in your application materials).
• Grant writing experience is preferred.
• Social cognitive research focus is preferred.
• Trauma psychology focus is preferred.
• Experience with advanced statistical modeling (linear and/or non‑linear) is preferred.
• Experience working in a medical environment is preferred.

Note: This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities, qualifications, and physical requirements of this role at UCCS. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. The university reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as needed to meet the university's needs.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environmental demands described satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment that limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented a misconduct history check program with respect to final candidates for specific appointments. All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications submitted by May 1, 2026, will receive full consideration.

• Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #: 39270).
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire.