Scientist Jobs in Illinois

Scientist jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in life sciences, pharmaceutical research, environmental science, and materials science, with openings at every level from entry-level research associate through senior principal scientist. Chicago, the North Shore suburbs including Waukegan and Lake County, and the Champaign-Urbana region anchor most of the hiring, where employers like AbbVie, Baxter International, and the University of Chicago consistently bring on scientific talent. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include analytical chemistry, biomedical research, and environmental testing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles133+
Top employerAbbVie
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring44
Work type45% Hybrid
Top industryBiotechnology

Showing 5 of 133+ Scientist jobs

xttrium laboratories
R&D Scientist
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xttrium laboratories
Added 1d ago
R&D Scientist
xttrium laboratories
Mount Prospect, Illinois
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
$75k - $95k/yr
Master's degree in Biochemistry
51-200

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Illinois Public Health Institute
Data Analyst & Population Health Scientist
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Illinois Public Health Institute
Added 1d ago
Data Analyst & Population Health Scientist
Illinois Public Health Institute
Chicago, Illinois
Business Strategy
Consulting & Professional Services
Strategy & Corporate Development
11-50

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Information Technology Senior Management Forum
Manager, Data Scientist, Data Solutions and Modeling
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Information Technology Senior Management Forum
Added 2d ago
Manager, Data Scientist, Data Solutions and Modeling
Information Technology Senior Management Forum
Chicago, Illinois
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Program Management
Project Management
$179k - $205k/yr
Doctoral degree in statistics
51-200

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Caterpillar
Senior Data Scientist, Gen AI Delivery
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Caterpillar
Added 2d ago
Senior Data Scientist, Gen AI Delivery
Caterpillar
Chicago, Illinois
Account Management
Customer Service
Customer Success
$113k - $183k/yr
Doctoral degree in statistics
10,000+

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University of Illinois
Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology - Illinois State Archaeological Survey
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University of Illinois
Added 2d ago
Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology - Illinois State Archaeological Survey
University of Illinois
Urbana, Illinois
Business Development
Program Management
Project Management
$65k - $80k/yr
Master's degree in anthropology
10,000+

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See All 133+ Scientist Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Scientist Jobs by City in Illinois

Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.

North Chicago
23 jobs
Glenview
8 jobs
Springfield
4 jobs
Hoffman Estates
4 jobs
Peoria
2 jobs
Winfield
2 jobs
Wood Dale
2 jobs
Northbrook
2 jobs

Scientist Job Market in Illinois

A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • AbbVie
    AbbVie22
  • Kraft Heinz
    Kraft Heinz8
  • Northwestern Medicine
    Northwestern Medicine6
  • Hospital Sisters Health System
    Hospital Sisters Health System5
  • Fresenius Kabi USA
    Fresenius Kabi USA4

Top Industries Hiring

  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals11
  • Technology & Software4
  • Science & Research3
  • Healthcare & Medical Services3
  • Insurance1

What Illinois Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across Illinois.

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline
  • Experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, chromatography, spectroscopy, or cell culture
  • Familiarity with Illinois EPA or IEPA regulatory standards for environmental or industrial roles
  • Proficiency in data analysis software including R, Python, SAS, or laboratory information management systems
  • Strong written communication skills for technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory submissions
  • Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and comply with GLP or GMP guidelines

Scientist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a scientist in Illinois?

Becoming a scientist in Illinois typically begins with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or environmental science, with many research roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Environmental scientists working in regulated capacities may interact with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for compliance purposes. Laboratory roles in clinical settings may require certification through bodies such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology, which is recognized by Illinois employers as a standard credential.

Which companies hire scientists in Illinois?

Employers hiring scientists in Illinois right now include AbbVie, Kraft Heinz, and Northwestern Medicine, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, biotech firms, and major research universities means hiring is consistent across both corporate and academic settings throughout the state.

Which Illinois cities have the most scientist jobs?

Chicago, North Chicago, and Glenview have the most scientist openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its dense concentration of hospitals, research institutions, and corporate life sciences headquarters, while Lake County and the North Shore suburbs reflect the presence of large pharmaceutical employers like AbbVie and Baxter, and Champaign-Urbana draws academic and biotech research roles anchored by the University of Illinois.

Are there remote scientist jobs in Illinois?

Yes, but they're rare. Most scientist roles require hands-on laboratory or fieldwork that cannot be done remotely. About 60% of scientist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be in data-heavy specialties such as bioinformatics, scientific writing, regulatory affairs, or computational research.

How can I get hired as a scientist in Illinois with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying to research associate or laboratory technician roles, which are designed for candidates with a degree but limited professional experience. Large Illinois employers like AbbVie and Baxter regularly recruit new graduates into structured associate scientist programs. Universities across Illinois, including Northwestern and the University of Illinois, offer research assistant positions that build hands-on credentials. Earning an American Society for Clinical Pathology certification or completing relevant coursework in GMP practices gives candidates a concrete edge in early applications.

Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Illinois?

You can find and apply to scientist 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 to the employers posting them.

See All 133+ Scientist Jobs in Illinois

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