Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana
Research Scientist jobs in Indiana concentrate in pharmaceutical and life sciences, agricultural biotechnology, and medical device research, with demand at every level from entry-level associate researcher to principal scientist. The strongest hiring is in Indianapolis, West Lafayette, and Bloomington, where employers like Eli Lilly, Corteva Agriscience, and Indiana University Health anchor the market. Computational biology, drug discovery, and crop science are among the most consistently posted specialties across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Research Scientist jobs
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46202
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):
The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.
Role Overview:
This position is responsible for the next generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines and data analysis. This if for the Antimicrobial Resistance and Reference Bacteriology, Enterics, Virology, Tuberculosis, and Wastewater sections at IDOHL. This position would also be responsible for data analysis and NGS pipelines for any new sequencing efforts that are brought on at IDOHL. The Research Scientist - Bioinformatician oversees the creation and the running of the NGS pipelines as well as troubleshoots other advanced molecular detection issues that arrive. This position is responsible for ensuring that staff are sufficiently trained in running their data through approved pipelines. The Research Scientist is also responsible for documentation and quality control in regards to NGS pipelines.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Develop, design, validate and implement novel Next-Generation Sequencing NGS-based laboratory assays using advanced computational resources and reproducible programming.
- Perform and maintain bioinformatics NGS data analysis using developed software and workflows.
- Evaluate recent literature and standards in the field and make recommendations and changes to workflows to ensure sequencing analysis procedures are aligned.
- Troubleshoot NGS assays and analysis pipelines when needed to ensure the best data is being used to generate data.
- Utilize molecular techniques such as, but not limited to, PCR, sequencing, and NGS.
- Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at anytime.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
- Extensive knowledge of molecular biology principles, theories, practices, NGS, and related sub-specialties.
- Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in NGS data analysis.
- Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems.
- Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level and in analysis.
- Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated analysis techniques.
- Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.
Preferred Qualifications
- The ideal candidate for this role should have Extensive knowledge of molecular biology principles, theories, practices, NGS, and related sub-specialties.
- Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in NGS data analysis.
- Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them
when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems. - Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level and in
analysis. - Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific
apparatus, and automated analysis techniques.
Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports. - Completion of relevant educational degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
- Knowledge of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.
- Analyzing and creating reports based on findings and results to provide the necessary training for other team members.
- Two years of professional experience performing bioinformatic analysis using high-throughput sequencing data.
- A master’s degree in the fields above may count towards 18 months of professional experience.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46202
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):
The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.
Role Overview:
This position is responsible for the next generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines and data analysis. This if for the Antimicrobial Resistance and Reference Bacteriology, Enterics, Virology, Tuberculosis, and Wastewater sections at IDOHL. This position would also be responsible for data analysis and NGS pipelines for any new sequencing efforts that are brought on at IDOHL. The Research Scientist - Bioinformatician oversees the creation and the running of the NGS pipelines as well as troubleshoots other advanced molecular detection issues that arrive. This position is responsible for ensuring that staff are sufficiently trained in running their data through approved pipelines. The Research Scientist is also responsible for documentation and quality control in regards to NGS pipelines.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Develop, design, validate and implement novel Next-Generation Sequencing NGS-based laboratory assays using advanced computational resources and reproducible programming.
- Perform and maintain bioinformatics NGS data analysis using developed software and workflows.
- Evaluate recent literature and standards in the field and make recommendations and changes to workflows to ensure sequencing analysis procedures are aligned.
- Troubleshoot NGS assays and analysis pipelines when needed to ensure the best data is being used to generate data.
- Utilize molecular techniques such as, but not limited to, PCR, sequencing, and NGS.
- Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at anytime.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
- Extensive knowledge of molecular biology principles, theories, practices, NGS, and related sub-specialties.
- Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in NGS data analysis.
- Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems.
- Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level and in analysis.
- Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated analysis techniques.
- Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.
Preferred Qualifications
- The ideal candidate for this role should have Extensive knowledge of molecular biology principles, theories, practices, NGS, and related sub-specialties.
- Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in NGS data analysis.
- Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them
when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems. - Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level and in
analysis. - Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific
apparatus, and automated analysis techniques.
Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports. - Completion of relevant educational degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
- Knowledge of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.
- Analyzing and creating reports based on findings and results to provide the necessary training for other team members.
- Two years of professional experience performing bioinformatic analysis using high-throughput sequencing data.
- A master’s degree in the fields above may count towards 18 months of professional experience.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
See All 8 Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Indiana
Where Indiana roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Indiana
A snapshot from current Indiana openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Indiana Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Indiana.
- PhD or master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry
- Hands-on laboratory experience with techniques relevant to the position's core research area
- Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results independently
- Proficiency with statistical software and data analysis tools used in life sciences or agricultural research
- Record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications, patents, or internal research reports
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to cross-functional teams
Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Indiana?
Most research scientist roles in Indiana require at minimum a master's degree, and positions at pharmaceutical, agricultural, or medical device companies typically require a PhD in a relevant field such as chemistry, biology, or biomedical engineering. Indiana does not issue a state license specifically for research scientists, so hiring decisions hinge on academic credentials, laboratory expertise, and a demonstrated research record. Candidates targeting industry roles in Indianapolis or West Lafayette should build experience through university research programs or industry internships before applying.
Which companies hire research scientists in Indiana?
Employers hiring research scientists in Indiana right now include Elanco, State of Indiana, and Cordant Health Solutions, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Indiana's pharmaceutical corridor around Indianapolis and its agricultural research presence in West Lafayette mean that life sciences and crop science companies are among the most consistent sources of openings in the state.
Which Indiana cities have the most research scientist jobs?
Indianapolis have the most research scientist openings in Indiana. Indianapolis drives volume through its concentration of pharmaceutical and medical device employers, while West Lafayette benefits from Purdue University's research enterprise and the agricultural biotechnology companies clustered nearby, and Bloomington's openings are anchored by Indiana University's research programs and affiliated life sciences organizations.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Indiana?
Yes, but they're rare. Research scientist work is largely hands-on, requiring access to laboratory equipment, biological samples, or specialized instruments that cannot be replicated at home. About 80% of research scientist openings tied to Indiana are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be in computational biology, bioinformatics, or data analysis roles where the core work involves software and modeling rather than bench science.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Indiana with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research associate or laboratory technician role, which large Indiana employers like Eli Lilly and Corteva Agriscience use as a pipeline for early-career scientists. Completing a thesis-based master's program at Purdue University, Indiana University, or Notre Dame gives candidates both hands-on research experience and direct access to employer recruiting networks. Applying to co-op and internship programs during graduate study, or moving laterally from a quality control analyst or lab coordinator position, are the most common doors into a full research scientist title.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Indiana?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Indiana on Migrate Mate, which lists current Indiana openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 8 Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist Jobs