Research Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL
Research Scientist jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Illinois Medical District, Hyde Park, and the Near North Side, with strong demand across life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and academic research. Employers hiring right now include Rush University Medical Center, Tempus, and University of Chicago. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Research Scientist jobs
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Int Med Rheumatology-Res Adm
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:30:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $32.00 - $46.44 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary:
This senior research position involves designing and performing scientific experiments, banking research specimens, analyzing data, preparing and presenting reports, and crafting manuscripts for publication. The work will be performed in a transparent, collaborative context, with an emphasis on novel research that translates to improving brain disorders in humans. The position exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures
Required Job Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in basic sciences or relevant field and 3 years of laboratory research experience or a Master’s degree with 6 years of research experience
- Possess integrity, honesty and dependability.
- Strong software skills, including experience with word processing, spread sheets and database management.
- Excellent communication, analytical and technical writing skills.
- Ability to work independently; to self-initiate, prioritize and manage own work.
- Skilled in collaborative, multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Highly-motivated, enthusiastic and detail-oriented.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
- First-author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal
- Experience in one or more of these areas:
o laboratory rodent handling, stereotaxic neurosurgery, and behavioral assessments
o optogenetics, chemogenetics and electrophysiology
Competencies:
Documentation of research conducted and presentation skills (e.g., presenting at meetings) and writing skills (e.g., first authored manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal).
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
- Plan, direct and conduct research experiments.
- Maintain accurate documentation of work performed and data collected.
- Statistically analyze data. Interpret outcomes and provide summaries.
- Remain current in relevant scientific literature to help identify novel research projects, experimental protocols and potential research directions related to research activities of the laboratory.
- Support and train laboratory personnel, residents and students.
- Assist in preparation of research manuscripts and grant proposals.
- Manage and organize laboratory activities.
- Maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with governmental and University policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Collaborate with statistician, and departmental research coordinators and staff.
- Rodent handling and working with animal tissues.
- Continual learning and skill-building related to laboratory goals.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Int Med Rheumatology-Res Adm
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:30:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $32.00 - $46.44 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary:
This senior research position involves designing and performing scientific experiments, banking research specimens, analyzing data, preparing and presenting reports, and crafting manuscripts for publication. The work will be performed in a transparent, collaborative context, with an emphasis on novel research that translates to improving brain disorders in humans. The position exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures
Required Job Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in basic sciences or relevant field and 3 years of laboratory research experience or a Master’s degree with 6 years of research experience
- Possess integrity, honesty and dependability.
- Strong software skills, including experience with word processing, spread sheets and database management.
- Excellent communication, analytical and technical writing skills.
- Ability to work independently; to self-initiate, prioritize and manage own work.
- Skilled in collaborative, multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Highly-motivated, enthusiastic and detail-oriented.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
- First-author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal
- Experience in one or more of these areas:
o laboratory rodent handling, stereotaxic neurosurgery, and behavioral assessments
o optogenetics, chemogenetics and electrophysiology
Competencies:
Documentation of research conducted and presentation skills (e.g., presenting at meetings) and writing skills (e.g., first authored manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal).
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
- Plan, direct and conduct research experiments.
- Maintain accurate documentation of work performed and data collected.
- Statistically analyze data. Interpret outcomes and provide summaries.
- Remain current in relevant scientific literature to help identify novel research projects, experimental protocols and potential research directions related to research activities of the laboratory.
- Support and train laboratory personnel, residents and students.
- Assist in preparation of research manuscripts and grant proposals.
- Manage and organize laboratory activities.
- Maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with governmental and University policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Collaborate with statistician, and departmental research coordinators and staff.
- Rodent handling and working with animal tissues.
- Continual learning and skill-building related to laboratory goals.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
See All 40 Research Scientist Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education12
- Healthcare & Medical Services7
- Food & Beverage2
- Hospitality & Tourism2
- Technology & Software2
Research Scientist Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research scientist job in Chicago?
Target the clusters where Chicago research hiring is densest: the Illinois Medical District for biomedical and clinical research, Hyde Park for academic and university-affiliated roles, and the North Shore corridor for pharmaceutical and biotech labs. Candidates who can show peer-reviewed publications, hands-on lab methodology, or cross-functional project experience stand out. Networking through the Chicago Biotech Network and university research centers also opens doors that posted listings don't.
Which companies hire research scientists in Chicago?
Employers hiring research scientists in Chicago right now include Rush University Medical Center, Tempus, and University of Chicago, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Chicago's hiring mix leans heavily toward academic medical centers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and mid-size biotech firms with R&D operations in the metro area.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the role: computational, data-driven, and regulatory research positions are far more remote-friendly than bench or clinical research, which requires on-site lab access. About 46% of research scientist openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, skewing toward bioinformatics, health economics, and research analytics roles rather than wet-lab positions.
How can I get a research scientist job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is a research associate or lab technician role at one of the city's academic medical centers, such as those affiliated with Rush University Medical Center or Northwestern Memorial. Many Chicago biotech startups and contract research organizations also hire junior scientists for defined project work, where you can build a publication record quickly. A master's degree with a strong thesis project, or a postdoctoral stint at a Chicago university, is the clearest bridge to a full scientist title.
Which industries hire the most research scientists in Chicago?
Chicago research scientist roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Food & Beverage, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Chicago's position as a major academic medical hub and its growing North Shore pharmaceutical corridor drive consistent demand across those sectors year-round.
See All 40 Research Scientist Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist Jobs