Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Indiana
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Indiana are consistently active, concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical sciences, and life sciences, with openings at every stage from newly defended doctoral candidates to researchers transitioning into senior investigator roles. The largest hiring hubs are Indianapolis, Bloomington, and West Lafayette, where institutions like Indiana University, Purdue University, and Eli Lilly anchor sustained demand. The most in-demand specialties include oncology and drug discovery research, computational biology, and materials science. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The search is open to applicants from any area of astronomy or astrophysics; we are particularly interested in candidates whose research complements and enhances current department strengths and who will collaborate directly with department faculty. The department’s research activity includes observational, theoretical, and computational projects in Galactic and extra-galactic astrophysics, stellar astrophysics, exoplanets, and stellar dynamics (see the Department’s website https://astro.indiana.edu for further information).
The successful applicant will have access to observing time on the WIYN 3.5-m telescope at Kitt Peak (including the NEID high-precision radial velocity spectrometer), and on other telescope facilities to which the department has access. They will also have direct use of the outstanding IU information technology infrastructure, including full access to various supercomputers and massive data storage systems (see here for further details https://uits.iu.edu/services/technology-for-research/high-performance-computing-and-storage). The department has a supportive and collegial atmosphere. We maintain close ties with the Physics Department and the wider campus community. IU-Bloomington is the flagship campus of the IU system and is centrally located in a community of ~80,000 people with an outstanding public park system and a vibrant fine arts, theater, and entertainment scene.
This position is a full time, benefits-eligible position with a salary of $70,000 per year and additional funds for research expenses. The initial appointment will be for two years with extension to the third year depending on satisfactory performance.
Applications and letters of recommendation must be received by December 7, 2026 to receive full consideration. Questions about the application process can also be sent to astdept@iu.edu.
The search is open to applicants from any area of astronomy or astrophysics; we are particularly interested in candidates whose research complements and enhances current department strengths and who will collaborate directly with department faculty. The department’s research activity includes observational, theoretical, and computational projects in Galactic and extra-galactic astrophysics, stellar astrophysics, exoplanets, and stellar dynamics (see the Department’s website https://astro.indiana.edu for further information).
The successful applicant will have access to observing time on the WIYN 3.5-m telescope at Kitt Peak (including the NEID high-precision radial velocity spectrometer), and on other telescope facilities to which the department has access. They will also have direct use of the outstanding IU information technology infrastructure, including full access to various supercomputers and massive data storage systems (see here for further details https://uits.iu.edu/services/technology-for-research/high-performance-computing-and-storage). The department has a supportive and collegial atmosphere. We maintain close ties with the Physics Department and the wider campus community. IU-Bloomington is the flagship campus of the IU system and is centrally located in a community of ~80,000 people with an outstanding public park system and a vibrant fine arts, theater, and entertainment scene.
This position is a full time, benefits-eligible position with a salary of $70,000 per year and additional funds for research expenses. The initial appointment will be for two years with extension to the third year depending on satisfactory performance.
Applications and letters of recommendation must be received by December 7, 2026 to receive full consideration. Questions about the application process can also be sent to astdept@iu.edu.
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Where Indiana roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Market in Indiana
A snapshot from current Indiana openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Indiana Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research associate jobs across Indiana.
- Completed doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant scientific or research discipline required
- Demonstrated publication record or peer-reviewed research experience in a related field
- Proficiency with laboratory techniques, statistical software, or computational tools specific to the discipline
- Strong written and oral communication skills for grant writing, presentations, and manuscripts
- Ability to work independently while collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams
- Experience mentoring graduate students or managing research projects is frequently preferred
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral research associate in Indiana?
Becoming a postdoctoral research associate in Indiana requires a completed doctoral degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited institution. Indiana does not require a state-issued license for this role. Candidates typically apply directly to universities like Indiana University, Purdue University, or Notre Dame, or to pharmaceutical employers like Eli Lilly, responding to faculty-posted openings or institutional fellowship programs. A strong dissertation, publications, and letters of recommendation from your doctoral advisor are the primary hiring criteria.
Which companies hire postdoctoral research associates in Indiana?
Companies currently hiring postdoctoral research associates in Indiana include Indiana University, Purdue University, and University of Notre Dame, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Indiana's combination of major research universities and a strong pharmaceutical and life sciences industry means postdoctoral openings appear across both academic and corporate research settings throughout the state.
Which Indiana cities have the most postdoctoral research associate jobs?
Bloomington, West Lafayette, and Notre Dame have the most postdoctoral research associate openings in Indiana. Indianapolis drives volume through Eli Lilly's global research operations and the IU School of Medicine, while Bloomington and West Lafayette reflect the research output of Indiana University and Purdue University, which regularly post openings across the sciences, engineering, and social research.
Are there remote postdoctoral research associate jobs in Indiana?
Yes, but they're rare. Most postdoctoral research associate work is laboratory- or campus-based and requires on-site access to equipment, institutional resources, and research teams. About 50% of postdoctoral research associate openings tied to Indiana are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting a small subset of roles. Computational, data analysis, and bioinformatics-focused postdoctoral positions are the most likely to offer any remote flexibility.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral research associate in Indiana with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying before your doctoral defense is complete, as many Indiana universities and employers hire postdoctoral candidates who are ABD (all but dissertation). Purdue University and Indiana University both run research fellowship and training grant programs that accept early-career applicants. Candidates from adjacent roles such as research assistant or laboratory manager can strengthen their candidacy by contributing to published work and building a record of conference presentations or collaborative projects during their graduate training.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Indiana?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Indiana on Migrate Mate, which lists current Indiana openings across universities, research institutes, and life sciences employers. Find roles that fit your research background and apply directly to the positions listed.
See All 14 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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