Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Indiana
Postdoctoral Researcher jobs in Indiana are concentrated in a research-intensive market anchored by major universities, pharmaceutical firms, and life sciences companies, with demand at both early-career and senior fellowship levels. Most openings are in Bloomington, Indianapolis, and West Lafayette, where institutions like Indiana University, Purdue University, and Eli Lilly maintain large research programs. The most consistently sought specialties are molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, and computational neuroscience. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 Researcher 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 researcher jobs across Indiana.
- PhD in a relevant scientific or technical discipline from an accredited institution
- Demonstrated research experience through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
- Proficiency with laboratory techniques specific to the position's discipline, such as CRISPR or mass spectrometry
- Ability to design, execute, and independently troubleshoot experiments within a research group
- Experience collaborating with faculty, graduate students, or industry research teams on funded projects
- Familiarity with grant writing, data analysis software, or regulatory compliance relevant to the research area
Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral researcher in Indiana?
Becoming a postdoctoral researcher in Indiana requires a completed doctoral degree in a relevant field, as no state-issued license or registration governs the role. Most positions are filled through direct application to universities such as Indiana University, Purdue University, or Notre Dame, or to life sciences companies in the Indianapolis corridor. Candidates are typically evaluated on their dissertation research, publications, and letters from their doctoral committee.
Which companies hire postdoctoral researchers in Indiana?
Companies currently hiring postdoctoral researchers in Indiana include Indiana University, Purdue University, and University of Notre Dame, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Indiana's concentration of pharmaceutical and agricultural research firms, alongside its flagship public universities, makes the state one of the more active markets for postdoctoral talent in the Midwest.
Which Indiana cities have the most postdoctoral researcher jobs?
The Indiana cities with the most postdoctoral researcher openings are Bloomington, West Lafayette, and Notre Dame. Indianapolis anchors demand through its dense cluster of pharmaceutical and hospital research employers, while Bloomington and West Lafayette are driven almost entirely by Indiana University and Purdue University respectively, each running large federally funded research programs across the sciences and engineering.
Are there remote postdoctoral researcher jobs in Indiana?
Yes, but they're rare. Postdoctoral research is predominantly hands-on laboratory or field work, which limits remote arrangements significantly. About 50% of postdoctoral researcher openings tied to Indiana are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve computational modeling, bioinformatics, or data-intensive analysis rather than wet-lab or instrumentation work.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral researcher in Indiana with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to university-affiliated postdoctoral programs before your dissertation defense, as Indiana University, Purdue University, and Notre Dame all accept applications from final-year doctoral candidates. Eli Lilly's postdoctoral fellowship program and USDA Agricultural Research Service sites in Indiana also recruit researchers without prior postdoctoral experience. A strong dissertation, at least one manuscript under review, and a faculty sponsor willing to serve as your mentor give candidates the clearest advantage in these processes.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral researcher jobs in Indiana?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral researcher jobs in Indiana on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your research background and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and career goals.
See All 14 Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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