Research Jobs in Illinois
Research jobs in Illinois are concentrated in academic institutions, healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies, with demand for research professionals ranging from entry-level associates to senior principal investigators. Chicago anchors the market as a national hub for biomedical and social science research, while Evanston and Urbana-Champaign draw significant activity through Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, and affiliated research centers. Established employers with consistent research hiring include Abbott Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory, and the University of Chicago. The most in-demand specialties are clinical research, data and policy analysis, and life sciences research. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job description: A post-doctoral position is available immediately in the Lydy lab at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL, USA). The successful candidate will work on several projects including determining the impacts of pesticide exposure on predator prey relationships for salmon and striped bass, incorporation of contaminants into salmon life cycle models, and conducting field-lab research identifying pesticide exposure pathways and hotspots in aquatic waterways. The postdoc will be an important member of our ecotoxicology team, which is made up of toxicologists, chemists and wildlife biologists. The successful candidates will ideally have a background in either environmental toxicology, ecology or analytical chemistry. The aquatic toxicology lab (www.aquatictox.siu.edu) at SIU houses a well-equipped analytical chemistry lab, as well as a large modern aquatics facility. Carbondale is in a scenic portion of the state, and is near several state parks and national refuges, including the Shawnee National Forest.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field
- Experience working with predatory prey interactions and life cycle models
- Experience working with tracking fish data and use of tracking software
- Demonstrated record analyzing data, writing results, and publishing scientific manuscripts
- Proficiency programming or coding in R, Python, or other software packages·
- Strong organizational and data management skills
- Ability to work independently and on a team
- Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with the USGS Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3)
- Experience with pesticide analyses quantification using GC-MS.
Salary: Commensurate with experience (100% time) and includes a benefit package.
Effective Date of Employment: Applications are being accepted immediately with the position starting in Fall 2026. The position is expected to continue for two years; continuation is contingent upon availability of future grant funding.
Application deadline: September 15, 2026, or until filled.
Application Procedure: Send letter of intent describing research interest and goals (including specific experience conducting predatory prey studies) and a resume to: Dr. Michael Lydy, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have hands-on analytical experience?
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
Experience:
- Laboratory Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Job description: A post-doctoral position is available immediately in the Lydy lab at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL, USA). The successful candidate will work on several projects including determining the impacts of pesticide exposure on predator prey relationships for salmon and striped bass, incorporation of contaminants into salmon life cycle models, and conducting field-lab research identifying pesticide exposure pathways and hotspots in aquatic waterways. The postdoc will be an important member of our ecotoxicology team, which is made up of toxicologists, chemists and wildlife biologists. The successful candidates will ideally have a background in either environmental toxicology, ecology or analytical chemistry. The aquatic toxicology lab (www.aquatictox.siu.edu) at SIU houses a well-equipped analytical chemistry lab, as well as a large modern aquatics facility. Carbondale is in a scenic portion of the state, and is near several state parks and national refuges, including the Shawnee National Forest.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field
- Experience working with predatory prey interactions and life cycle models
- Experience working with tracking fish data and use of tracking software
- Demonstrated record analyzing data, writing results, and publishing scientific manuscripts
- Proficiency programming or coding in R, Python, or other software packages·
- Strong organizational and data management skills
- Ability to work independently and on a team
- Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with the USGS Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3)
- Experience with pesticide analyses quantification using GC-MS.
Salary: Commensurate with experience (100% time) and includes a benefit package.
Effective Date of Employment: Applications are being accepted immediately with the position starting in Fall 2026. The position is expected to continue for two years; continuation is contingent upon availability of future grant funding.
Application deadline: September 15, 2026, or until filled.
Application Procedure: Send letter of intent describing research interest and goals (including specific experience conducting predatory prey studies) and a resume to: Dr. Michael Lydy, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have hands-on analytical experience?
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
Experience:
- Laboratory Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
See All 127+ Research Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research JobsResearch Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Illinois15
- AbbVie8
- Rush University Medical Center8
- Endeavor Health7
- The University of Chicago7
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Technology & Software
- Manufacturing
- Medical Devices
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or technical field
- Experience designing and executing research studies or data collection protocols
- Proficiency with statistical software such as R, SPSS, SAS, or Python
- Ability to write clear research reports, grant proposals, or peer-reviewed manuscripts
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Strong project management skills with experience meeting research timelines and deliverables
Research Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research professional in Illinois?
Most research positions in Illinois require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, with many roles at universities, hospitals, and national labs expecting a master's or doctoral degree. Clinical research coordinators working with human subjects typically need CITI training certification and, for regulated clinical trials, may pursue credentials through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Illinois has no single statewide research license, but institutional credentialing and IRB compliance training are standard entry requirements.
Which companies hire research professionals in Illinois?
Illinois research roles are posted by University of Illinois, AbbVie, and Rush University Medical Center and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, federal national laboratories, and major research universities makes it one of the more active states for research hiring across both public and private sectors.
Which Illinois cities have the most research jobs?
Chicago, Urbana, and North Chicago lead Illinois for research job openings. Chicago dominates due to its density of academic medical centers, policy think tanks, and corporate R&D headquarters, while Evanston and Urbana-Champaign generate consistent openings through Northwestern University and the University of Illinois campus research enterprise.
Are there remote research jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 60% of research openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of research work involves data analysis, literature review, and writing that can be done independently. Roles requiring laboratory work, patient interaction, or fieldwork remain largely on-site, while policy, social science, and quantitative research positions are the most likely to offer remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a research professional in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistant or research coordinator role at a university hospital or academic institution. Large Illinois employers like the University of Chicago Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine, and the University of Illinois system regularly post entry-level openings for recent graduates and hire from their own undergraduate research programs. Completing CITI human subjects training, building a writing or data sample portfolio, and moving laterally from adjacent roles such as clinical data abstractor or program coordinator are the most effective starting points.
Where can I find and apply to research jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to research jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience.
See All 127+ Research Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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