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Animal Researcher Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge and expertise in animal research (preferred) PHYSICAL DEMANDS * Able to handle piglets ranging from 1 to 50 kilograms. * Able to stand and perform cleaning * Must wear personal protective ...

Senior Primate Behavior Specialist

Greenfield, IN · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biology, Animal Behavior or other related Life Science degrees) * 8 years or more of professional animal research or breeding ...

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biology, Animal Behavior or other related Life Science degrees) * 8 years or more of professional animal research or breeding ...

Senior Primate Behavior Specialist

Greenfield, IN · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biology, Animal Behavior or other related Life Science degrees) * 8 years or more of professional animal research or breeding ...

Interest in research, animal care, or biomedical science * Ability to work in a physical, fast-paced lab environment * Organized, dependable, and eager to learn * Bachelor's degree in a science ...

Interest in research, animal care, or biomedical science * Ability to work in a physical, fast-paced lab environment * Organized, dependable, and eager to learn * Bachelor's degree in a science ...

Interest in research, animal care, or biomedical science * Ability to work in a physical, fast-paced lab environment * Organized, dependable, and eager to learn * Bachelor's degree in a science ...

Showing results 41-60

Animal Researcher information

See Indiana salary details

$28.5K

$107.6K

$156.5K

How much do animal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal researcher in Indiana is $107,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal researcher do?

An Animal Researcher studies animals to understand their behavior, physiology, genetics, or diseases. They often work in laboratories, universities, or in the field, conducting experiments and observations on animals. Their research can contribute to advancements in medicine, environmental conservation, and understanding animal welfare. Animal Researchers may also be involved in developing new treatments for animal or human diseases, ensuring ethical standards are maintained, and publishing their findings in scientific journals.

What are some common challenges an animal researcher faces in their daily work?

Animal Researchers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict ethical standards, adhering to regulatory guidelines, and ensuring animal welfare throughout experiments. Balancing scientific objectives with humane treatment requires careful planning and regular documentation. Additionally, researchers must stay up-to-date with evolving protocols, collaborate closely with veterinarians and fellow scientists, and manage the emotional aspects of working with animals in a research setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Researcher, you need a strong background in biology, animal science, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree and experience with laboratory research. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), statistical analysis software, and proper animal handling certifications (such as IACUC training) is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing experiments, ensuring animal welfare, and presenting findings. These skills and qualifications are essential for conducting ethical, accurate research that advances scientific understanding and complies with regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Animal Researcher vs Animal Technician?

AspectAnimal ResearcherAnimal Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology, animal science, or related field; research experience often preferredHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, universitiesAnimal care facilities, laboratories, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, universitiesVeterinary clinics, research labs, animal shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, career paths in animal researchAnimal care, laboratory support roles

Animal Researchers focus on designing and conducting experiments involving animals, often requiring advanced degrees and research experience. Animal Technicians primarily provide daily care and support for laboratory animals, typically with less formal education. Both roles are essential in animal research settings but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

How do you become an animal researcher?

To become an animal researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, research assistant roles, or volunteering in laboratories or wildlife settings is also important, along with developing skills in data analysis and animal handling.

How much money do animal researchers make?

Animal researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and working in private industry or research institutions.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Researcher jobs in Indiana?

For Animal Researcher jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Researcher jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Researcher jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Animal Researcher job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,624 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


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: Senior Research Scientist - Target Intelligence and Early Project Lead
As a Senior Scientist in the Mechanistic Biology team, you will lead novel target identification and validation across multiple animal diseases to build the drug discovery pipeline. This is a non-lab role focused on guiding cross-functional teams through early-stage drug discovery by leveraging advanced in vitro techniques, integrated AI/ML-driven platforms, and functional genomics. You will be responsible for accelerating the discovery cycle through high-throughput screening (HTS) approaches to rapidly move from Hit-to-Lead for both small molecules and biologics.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Target Identification & Discovery Innovation: Lead the identification and prioritization of novel targets using in vitro/in vivo experiments, literature reviews, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and AI/ML. Implement iterative "design-test-learn" and active learning cycles to optimize lead compounds and accelerate the discovery cycle.
  • Screening & Digital Discovery: Design and deploy high-throughput and multi-modal screening strategies-including biochemical, biophysical, and cellular approaches-to identify novel chemical and biological starting points. Leverage AI-augmented data analysis, digital phenotyping, and digital discovery platforms to accelerate candidate identification and minimize experimental costs.
  • Cross-Functional Discovery Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams through early drug discovery from initial concept through target validation, partnering closely with Computational Sciences, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Biology, Technical Development, and Preclinical Development. Collaborate with Computational Sciences to develop machine learning models for hit expansion and property prediction.
  • Target De-risking, Biomarkers & Translational Models: Develop strategies to de-risk targets and enhance commercial viability by integrating Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) considerations and assessing on-target/off-target safety risks. Develop and integrate biological, AI-enabled, and imaging biomarker strategies and translational in vitro disease models, including CRISPR/Cas9-edited primary cell lines and organoids, to accelerate discovery.
  • External Partnerships & Scientific Advancement: Manage external CRO partnerships and biotech collaborations, providing scientific expertise to support discovery campaigns including DNA-encoded library (DEL), phage display, and yeast display. Foster strategic research collaborations and stay at the forefront of study design, model development, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to maintain a competitive edge in animal health research.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education: Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field with several years of postdoctoral training.
  • Experience: Professional experience in industry research and early-stage biotech/drug discovery, including CRO management and experience with integrated digital discovery and HTS platforms.
  • Top 2 skills:Expert in target identification and validation: Including biological assay development for small/large molecules and expertise in high-throughput approaches to validate and identify targets (e.g., DEL, virtual screening).Expertise in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs): Such as organoids/iPSCs and CRISPR/Cas9 screening, with high proficiency in using AI/ML and deep learning for target validation and phenotypic profiling.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
  • 3 years of experience in a pharmaceutical company, preferably in animal health.
  • Demonstrated success identifying novel targets and a proven publication record.
  • Experience with generative AI (e.g., ProteinMPNN) for de novo protein design and affinity maturation.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects in a fast-paced, agile environment; ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally
  • Working knowledge of applicable statistical principles and data analysis techniques.
  • Experience with compound library screening and biomolecular training (RNA-seq, omics, flow cytometry).

Additional Information:
  • Travel: up to 25 %
  • Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented 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

#LI-RH1
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.

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