Job Description

Work Unit Description

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is one of eight academic programs in the College of Health and Human Sciences. Colorado State University (CSU) is Colorado’s land grant institution and holds the Doctoral/Research University – Extensive classification from the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. CSU is one of the core academic institutions that comprise the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI). Many faculty in Human Development and Family Studies engage in multidisciplinary research collaborations with other CCTSI institutions and affiliates, including the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital Colorado. Community-engaged research is an essential aspect of research within the Human Development and Family Studies Department.

Position Summary

Researchers in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at CSU are looking for postdoctoral research scientists to support the Department’s mission to generate, disseminate and apply knowledge about human development across the lifespan, in the context of family, culture, and society. Postdoctoral fellows will support the Department’s goal to use knowledge to help resolve societal and developmental challenges faced by children, families, and our aging population and to promote optimal development and opportunities for all. Postdoctoral fellows have the chance to participate in research on human development and family studies from an interdisciplinary perspective. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to support research activities in HDFS within a designated research lab, with opportunities to also develop a skillset that will support their career development.

Full Consideration Date

This is an open pool posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants will be contacted if a suitable opportunity becomes available. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on June 30, 2026.

Salary Range

$50,000 - $85,000

Essential Job Duties

Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:

• Conducting laboratory or computational research activities.

• Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.

• Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation.

• Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation.

• Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

• Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Specific duties will be defined at the time of hire by the supervising faculty member.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department has limited funding and may not be able to sponsor a new H-1B visa for this position.

Supervision

This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology, human development and family studies, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:

• Prior research experience in a relevant physical science discipline.

• Experience with laboratory or computational research methods.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

• Experience with data analysis, scientific writing, or specialized research techniques relevant to the hiring lab.

Application Instructions

To apply, please upload a CV, cover letter, and optional writing sample (e.g., peer-reviewed publication).

This is an evergreen posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. This pool will expire on June 30, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.