Research Associate Jobs in Indiana
Research Associate jobs in Indiana are consistently active, with demand concentrated in pharmaceutical research, academic science, and clinical trials across the state's major life sciences and higher-education corridor. Indianapolis, Bloomington, and West Lafayette anchor most of the hiring, where employers like Eli Lilly, Indiana University, and Purdue University maintain large, ongoing research programs. The most in-demand specialties are clinical data management, biomedical research, and laboratory sciences, with openings at both entry and mid-career levels. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Summary
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cognition and Learning Laboratory
The Cognition and Learning Laboratory at Purdue University, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey D. Karpicke, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The postdoctoral scholar will work with a collaborative team on research projects examining learning, memory, and language in children and adults in both laboratory and real-world educational settings. Scholars will contribute to all phases of research projects, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Scholars will have the opportunity to manage projects, lead peer-reviewed publications, mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers, and participate in professional development activities.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in psychology, speech-language-hearing sciences, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have a background in experimental research on learning and cognition, a strong record of refereed publications, ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team, excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, and strong interest in mentoring and leadership. The position is available as early as spring 2027 .
Information about the Cognition and Learning Laboratory can be found on our website, learninglab.psych.purdue.edu.
Education
Experience
FLSA Status
Job Summary
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cognition and Learning Laboratory
The Cognition and Learning Laboratory at Purdue University, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey D. Karpicke, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The postdoctoral scholar will work with a collaborative team on research projects examining learning, memory, and language in children and adults in both laboratory and real-world educational settings. Scholars will contribute to all phases of research projects, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Scholars will have the opportunity to manage projects, lead peer-reviewed publications, mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers, and participate in professional development activities.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in psychology, speech-language-hearing sciences, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have a background in experimental research on learning and cognition, a strong record of refereed publications, ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team, excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, and strong interest in mentoring and leadership. The position is available as early as spring 2027 .
Information about the Cognition and Learning Laboratory can be found on our website, learninglab.psych.purdue.edu.
Education
Experience
FLSA Status
See All 21 Research Associate Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Indiana
Where Indiana roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Indiana
A snapshot from current Indiana openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Purdue University10
- Elanco1
- Eli Lilly1
- Beck's Hybrids1
- Indiana University1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Indiana Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across Indiana.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or a related discipline
- Demonstrated laboratory or research experience through coursework, internships, or prior employment
- Proficiency with data collection, analysis tools, and standard research documentation practices
- Familiarity with IRB protocols, GLP standards, or clinical trial regulatory requirements
- Strong written communication skills for preparing research reports and scientific manuscripts
- Experience with statistical software such as R, SAS, or SPSS for analyzing research data
Research Associate Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in Indiana?
Most research associate roles in Indiana require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, though many positions at pharmaceutical and clinical research organizations prefer candidates with a master's degree. Indiana does not require a state-issued license specifically for research associates, but those working in clinical settings may need relevant certifications such as the Certified Clinical Research Associate credential from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
Which companies hire research associates in Indiana?
Employers hiring research associates in Indiana right now include Purdue University, Elanco, and Eli Lilly, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Indiana's strong pharmaceutical and academic research base means hiring is fairly consistent year-round, particularly through the state's major university systems and life sciences companies anchored in the Indianapolis metro area.
Which Indiana cities have the most research associate jobs?
The cities with the most research associate openings in Indiana are West Lafayette, Indianapolis, and Indiana. Indianapolis leads because of its concentration of pharmaceutical companies, hospital research programs, and corporate R&D facilities, while Bloomington and West Lafayette generate strong demand through Indiana University and Purdue University, both of which run large federally funded research programs that hire research associates on a rolling basis.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Indiana?
Yes, but they are relatively uncommon, since much research associate work involves hands-on laboratory tasks, in-person data collection, or on-site clinical work that cannot be done remotely. About 75% of research associate openings tied to Indiana are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in data-focused or regulatory roles such as clinical data management, literature review, and scientific writing.
How can I get hired as a research associate in Indiana with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through undergraduate research positions or post-baccalaureate research programs at Indiana University, Purdue University, or the Indiana University School of Medicine, which regularly place new graduates into junior research associate roles. Large Indiana employers like Eli Lilly also run structured early-career associate programs designed for candidates without significant industry experience. Adjacent roles such as laboratory technician or research assistant at a teaching hospital or biotech company are effective stepping stones, and completing a GCP certification before applying gives candidates a concrete credential employers look for.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in Indiana?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Indiana on Migrate Mate, which lists current Indiana openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 21 Research Associate Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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