ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Academic Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAcademic Research Scientist JobsAcademic Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana

Academic Research Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$48.1K

$123.8K

$165.6K

How much do academic research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic research scientist in Indiana is $123,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,300.00 and $164,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an academic research scientist?

Academic Research Scientists are professionals who conduct scientific studies and experiments in university or research institution settings. Their work often includes designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, publishing results in scientific journals, and collaborating with other researchers. They may also mentor students, apply for research grants, and present findings at conferences. The goal of an Academic Research Scientist is to advance knowledge in their field and contribute to scientific understanding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic research scientist?

To thrive as an Academic Research Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific expertise, often demonstrated by a PhD or equivalent advanced degree. Proficiency in statistical software, laboratory equipment, and research management systems is typically expected. Critical thinking, perseverance, and effective communication are vital soft skills for publishing findings and collaborating with peers. These skills are essential for producing rigorous research, advancing scientific knowledge, and securing funding in a competitive academic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by academic research scientists when working on collaborative projects?

Academic research scientists often work on multidisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as coordinating schedules, aligning research goals, and managing communication across different areas of expertise. Balancing individual research interests with the broader objectives of a collaborative project requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Additionally, navigating differing expectations regarding authorship and credit is a frequent challenge, making transparency and clear agreements essential for successful teamwork.

What is the difference between Academic Research Scientist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAcademic Research ScientistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in a relevant fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or research institutionsLaboratories within hospitals, industry, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, private research firmsHospitals, biotech companies, manufacturing labs

Academic Research Scientists typically hold advanced degrees and lead research projects, focusing on hypothesis development and data analysis. Laboratory Technicians usually have a technical diploma or bachelor's degree, supporting experiments and maintaining lab equipment. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work scope.

Are research scientists paid well?

Research scientists' salaries vary depending on the industry, experience, and location, but they generally earn competitive wages compared to other scientific roles. In academia, salaries tend to be lower than in private industry, where specialized skills and advanced degrees can lead to higher compensation. Overall, research scientists with advanced degrees and specialized expertise often have strong earning potential.

Do I need a PhD to be an academic research scientist?

While many academic research scientists hold a PhD, it is not always required; some positions may accept a master's degree or equivalent experience, especially in applied or industry-focused roles. However, a PhD is often preferred for research-intensive positions and for advancing in academia or specialized research fields.

What are popular job titles related to Academic Research Scientist jobs in Indiana?

For Academic Research Scientist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Academic Research Scientist jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Academic Research Scientist jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Academic Research Scientist jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Academic Research Scientist job openings:

Academic Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Research Scientist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,814 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Research Scientist - Protein Sciences

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Socket.devexternal

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Your Role:

Research Scientist – Protein Sciences

As a Research Scientist on our Antibody Discovery team, you will play a critical role in advancing Elanco's pipeline by producing high-quality proteins essential for groundbreaking structural biology studies. In this lab-based role, you will lead protein production for parasitology, small molecule, and large molecule projects, tackling complex expression challenges and mastering automated purification systems. This is an exciting opportunity to directly contribute to the discovery of novel animal health solutions.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Design and execute multi-platform protein expression and purification strategies (bacterial, insect, mammalian) for structural biology studies.

  • Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot protocols for automated chromatography (AKTA) and various purification techniques, including Affinity (NiNTA, GST), Ion Exchange (IEX), and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC).

  • Employ advanced genetic construct design (e.g., tag selection, truncation screening, codon optimization) to enhance protein solubility and suitability for structural biology studies.

  • Serve as the technical point of contact for outsourced protein production projects with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ensuring quality and timeline standards are met.

  • Maintain rigorous and timely documentation of all experimental procedures and results within the Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) system.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

  • Education:Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a related scientific field.

  • Experience:Foundational hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification, typically gained through academic research (0-2 years).

  • Top Skills:Demonstrated expertise in common protein expression/purification techniques and a strong aptitude for independent experimental design and troubleshooting.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

  • Familiarity with preparing and characterizing proteins specifically for X-ray crystallography or Cryo-EM.

  • Direct experience with challenging targets such as membrane proteins (e.g., GPCRs, ion channels).

  • Working knowledge of protein refolding methods from inclusion bodies.

  • Experience in generating and evaluating stable cell lines for protein expression.

Additional Information:

  • Location:Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN

  • Work Model:Hybrid - This position is based in Indianapolis and requires a blend of on-site and remote work.

  • Travel:Less than 10%

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages

  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply