Research Associate Jobs in Illinois
Research Associate jobs in Illinois are consistently active, concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology development, clinical trials, and public health, with openings at every level from entry-level lab assistant to senior investigator. Chicago anchors the market, with additional demand in Evanston and Urbana-Champaign, and major employers such as Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago maintain ongoing research associate hiring. The most in-demand specialties include clinical research coordination, life sciences data analysis, and translational research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 30+ Research Associate jobs
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Zebrafish & Lymphatic Biology
Hiring Department: Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043323
Salary: Salary will commensurate with experience
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The laboratory of Dr. Yulia Komarova at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate with strong expertise in zebrafish models, lymphatic biology, and in vivo imaging to join a multidisciplinary research program investigating molecular mechanisms of lymphatic regeneration and tissue repair.
Our research focuses on miR-204, a conserved, lymphatic-enriched microRNA that regulates lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) behavior and vessel morphogenesis. The project integrates zebrafish, mouse, and human LEC models to define how miR-204 regulates lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation, migration, plasticity, and regeneration following injury.
Duties & Responsibilities
- The successful candidate will have direct, hands-on expertise in the specialized zebrafish approaches required for the proposed work, including:
- In vivo lymphatic reporter-line studies
- Time-lapse confocal imaging of lymphatic vessels
- Endothelial-specific RiboTag/TRAP profiling
- In vivo 3′UTR reporter assays
- Zebrafish genetics, breeding, and transgenic models
- Quantitative analysis of lymphatic sprouting, migration, remodeling, and regeneration
- The candidate will lead and develop zebrafish-based experiments, integrate imaging and molecular data, and work closely with collaborators conducting mouse and human LEC studies. The position provides an opportunity to develop an independent research direction within a collaborative program spanning lymphatic biology, vascular regeneration, miRNA biology, in vivo imaging, and therapeutic development.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
The candidate will lead and develop zebrafish-based experiments, integrate imaging and molecular data, and work closely with collaborators conducting mouse and human LEC studies. The position provides an opportunity to develop an independent research direction within a collaborative program spanning lymphatic biology, vascular regeneration, miRNA biology, in vivo imaging, and therapeutic development.
Minimum Qualifications • PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in developmental biology, vascular biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field • Substantial hands-on experience with zebrafish research • Demonstrated expertise in zebrafish genetics, transgenic/reporter lines, and in vivo experimental approaches • Strong experience with confocal microscopy and live imaging • Experience with lymphatic biology, endothelial biology, or vascular development is highly desirable • Experience with RiboTag/TRAP, reporter assays, miRNA biology, or RNA profiling is an advantage • Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret research projects • Ability to mentor trainees and work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment Preferred Qualifications
To apply, please submit a CV, a brief statement describing your research experience and interests, and contact information for three references.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Zebrafish & Lymphatic Biology
Hiring Department: Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043323
Salary: Salary will commensurate with experience
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The laboratory of Dr. Yulia Komarova at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate with strong expertise in zebrafish models, lymphatic biology, and in vivo imaging to join a multidisciplinary research program investigating molecular mechanisms of lymphatic regeneration and tissue repair.
Our research focuses on miR-204, a conserved, lymphatic-enriched microRNA that regulates lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) behavior and vessel morphogenesis. The project integrates zebrafish, mouse, and human LEC models to define how miR-204 regulates lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation, migration, plasticity, and regeneration following injury.
Duties & Responsibilities
- The successful candidate will have direct, hands-on expertise in the specialized zebrafish approaches required for the proposed work, including:
- In vivo lymphatic reporter-line studies
- Time-lapse confocal imaging of lymphatic vessels
- Endothelial-specific RiboTag/TRAP profiling
- In vivo 3′UTR reporter assays
- Zebrafish genetics, breeding, and transgenic models
- Quantitative analysis of lymphatic sprouting, migration, remodeling, and regeneration
- The candidate will lead and develop zebrafish-based experiments, integrate imaging and molecular data, and work closely with collaborators conducting mouse and human LEC studies. The position provides an opportunity to develop an independent research direction within a collaborative program spanning lymphatic biology, vascular regeneration, miRNA biology, in vivo imaging, and therapeutic development.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
The candidate will lead and develop zebrafish-based experiments, integrate imaging and molecular data, and work closely with collaborators conducting mouse and human LEC studies. The position provides an opportunity to develop an independent research direction within a collaborative program spanning lymphatic biology, vascular regeneration, miRNA biology, in vivo imaging, and therapeutic development.
Minimum Qualifications • PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in developmental biology, vascular biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field • Substantial hands-on experience with zebrafish research • Demonstrated expertise in zebrafish genetics, transgenic/reporter lines, and in vivo experimental approaches • Strong experience with confocal microscopy and live imaging • Experience with lymphatic biology, endothelial biology, or vascular development is highly desirable • Experience with RiboTag/TRAP, reporter assays, miRNA biology, or RNA profiling is an advantage • Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret research projects • Ability to mentor trainees and work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment Preferred Qualifications
To apply, please submit a CV, a brief statement describing your research experience and interests, and contact information for three references.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
See All 30 Research Associate Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, public health, or a related scientific field required
- Experience with IRB protocols, clinical trial documentation, or research compliance standards preferred
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as SAS, R, or SPSS commonly expected
- Strong written communication skills for preparing manuscripts, grant applications, and study reports
- Ability to collect, manage, and interpret large datasets with accuracy and attention to detail
- Familiarity with GCP guidelines and federal research regulations for clinical or biomedical positions
Research Associate Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in Illinois?
Most research associate positions in Illinois require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific or technical field, with many academic medical centers and pharmaceutical employers preferring a master's degree. Illinois does not issue a state license specific to research associates, but clinical research roles often require or strongly prefer certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Employers at institutions like the University of Illinois or Rush University Medical Center typically look for candidates with demonstrated lab or data analysis experience gained through coursework, internships, or undergraduate research programs.
Which companies hire research associates in Illinois?
Employers hiring research associates in Illinois right now include University of Illinois, IQVIA, and Entegris, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical companies, academic medical centers, and federally funded research universities makes it one of the more active states for sustained research associate hiring throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most research associate jobs?
Chicago, Aurora, and Evanston have the most research associate openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its dense cluster of academic medical centers, biotechnology firms, and public health agencies, while Evanston and Urbana-Champaign draw significant hiring from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois system, which both run extensive research programs across the sciences and social policy.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they represent a smaller share of the market, since many research associate roles involve hands-on lab work, patient interaction, or on-site data collection that cannot be done remotely. About 75% of research associate openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the remote options concentrated in literature review, data analysis, grant writing, and research coordination roles that do not require physical access to a laboratory or clinical setting.
How can I get hired as a research associate in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to research assistant or junior research coordinator roles at Illinois universities and academic medical centers, which regularly hire candidates straight out of undergraduate programs. Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois system all post entry-level research positions that provide structured mentorship alongside senior investigators. Completing an undergraduate thesis, volunteering in a faculty lab, or earning a certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals strengthens an application significantly and distinguishes candidates without professional experience from the broader applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries including life sciences, academic research, public health, and clinical trials. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 30 Research Associate Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate Jobs