Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Research Specialist jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical and life sciences, healthcare systems, and policy think tanks, with openings ranging from entry-level research assistants through senior and principal specialist roles. Chicago leads hiring volume by a wide margin, with Evanston and Rockford also generating consistent openings, and major employers such as Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Abbott Laboratories maintain ongoing research specialist pipelines. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois right now are clinical research, social science and policy research, and biomedical data analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 27+ Research Specialist jobs
Research Specialist - Lazarov Lab, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Hiring Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043247
For Fullest Consideration, please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references by 11/13/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $65,000 annually.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
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.
Description
The Lazarov laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Research Specialist position. Our research focus is molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies as well as ALS and Huntington’s disease. Experimental procedures include molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which has uses a combination of cell and molecular methods including primary neuronal cultures from rodents, use of transgenic mouse models and generation/production of monoclonal antibodies with using experimental procedures including molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Carry out mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Conduct or coordinate ongoing experimental protocols.
Perform routine molecular biology and biochemical procedures.
Generate primary neuronal cell cultures
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
Proficient in specific lab research techniques.
For Fullest Consideration, Please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 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.
Research Specialist - Lazarov Lab, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Hiring Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043247
For Fullest Consideration, please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references by 11/13/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $65,000 annually.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
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.
Description
The Lazarov laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Research Specialist position. Our research focus is molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies as well as ALS and Huntington’s disease. Experimental procedures include molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which has uses a combination of cell and molecular methods including primary neuronal cultures from rodents, use of transgenic mouse models and generation/production of monoclonal antibodies with using experimental procedures including molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Carry out mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Conduct or coordinate ongoing experimental protocols.
Perform routine molecular biology and biochemical procedures.
Generate primary neuronal cell cultures
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
Proficient in specific lab research techniques.
For Fullest Consideration, Please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 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 27 Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Law & Legal Services
- Investment & Asset Management
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, social science, or public health
- Experience designing and executing research protocols in an academic or industry setting
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, manuscripts, and grant documentation
- Familiarity with IRB submission processes and human subjects research compliance
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent research projects and meet deadlines
Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Illinois?
Most Illinois research specialist roles require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field aligned with the research area, such as biology, psychology, public health, or social sciences, and many positions at universities and medical institutions prefer a master's degree. Illinois does not issue a general state license for research specialists, but clinical research roles often require or strongly prefer certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Building experience through university lab positions, research assistant roles at Illinois academic medical centers, or internships at policy institutes is the most common entry path.
Which companies hire research specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring research specialists in Illinois right now include University of Illinois, Huron Consulting, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of major research universities, large hospital systems, and global pharmaceutical and technology companies means demand is distributed across multiple industries rather than centered in a single sector.
Which Illinois cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Chicago, Urbana, and River have the most research specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates by volume given its density of academic medical centers, corporate headquarters, and policy organizations, while Evanston and other North Shore communities generate openings tied to Northwestern University and its affiliated research programs, and Rockford sees demand from regional healthcare and manufacturing research operations.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields, because a meaningful portion of research specialist work involves literature review, data analysis, report writing, and project coordination that can be done remotely. About 64% of research specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based and analytical nature of many of these roles. Positions involving laboratory work, patient interaction, or hands-on data collection are almost always on-site.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research assistant or research coordinator position at one of Illinois's large academic or healthcare institutions, such as the University of Illinois system, Rush University Medical Center, or Argonne National Laboratory, which regularly bring on candidates without full specialist experience. Illinois universities also post undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research opportunities that serve as direct pipelines. Moving laterally from a data analyst, laboratory technician, or program coordinator role is another well-established route. Earning an ACRP certificate strengthens applications significantly for clinical research openings.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 27 Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs