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Associate Researcher Jobs in Minooka, IL (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Batavia, IL · On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Under general direction and in consultation with more experienced scientists, the Research Associate, Quantum Division conducts research related to the overall mission of the Laboratory. Research may ...

Summary ROLE The Clinical Research Associate is an important member of the Alira Health Clinical team. CRAs are highly motivated and function independently to conduct site monitoring responsibilities ...

Clinical Research Coordinator

Lisle, IL

$24 - $31.75/hr

Research Coordinator The Research Coordinator supports clinical research studies by assisting investigators, research associates, and project managers with the day-to-day operations of study ...

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Associate Researcher information

See Minooka, IL salary details

$29.3K

$110.4K

$160.6K

How much do associate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate researcher in Minooka, IL is $110,441.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $150,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate researcher?

Associate Researchers are professionals who assist in conducting scientific studies, experiments, or investigations in a specific field. They typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator or senior researcher, helping with data collection, analysis, and documentation. Their responsibilities can also include preparing laboratory materials, conducting literature reviews, and ensuring compliance with research protocols. Associate Researchers are often found in academic, government, or private sector research settings and may have a background in science, engineering, or social sciences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate researcher?

To thrive as an Associate Researcher, you need a strong background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in your field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (like SPSS or R), and research management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication help you collaborate and contribute meaningful insights to research projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing valid, reliable results and advancing the goals of research teams.

What are some common challenges associate researchers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Associate Researchers often juggle several projects at once, which can be challenging in terms of time management and prioritization. Balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis requires strong organizational skills. Proactive communication with supervisors and collaborators is essential to manage expectations and address any bottlenecks early. Utilizing project management tools and regularly updating progress can help alleviate these challenges and keep research activities on track.

What is the difference between Associate Researcher vs Research Assistant?

AspectAssociate ResearcherResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, research experienceTypically Bachelor's degree, entry-level
Work EnvironmentIndependent research, data analysis, project managementSupporting research tasks, data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&DUniversities, labs, research projects

The main difference between an Associate Researcher and a Research Assistant lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Researchers usually have more research experience, handle independent tasks, and contribute to project design, while Research Assistants support data collection and basic tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Associate Researchers typically have higher qualifications and more autonomy.

What cities near Minooka, IL are hiring for Associate Researcher jobs?

Cities near Minooka, IL with the most Associate Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Researcher job openings in Minooka, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,441 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Research Associate

Fermilab

Batavia, IL • On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Fermilab rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:
$69,800.00-$92,600.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
About the Role: Under general direction and in consultation with more experienced scientists, the Research Associate, Quantum Division conducts research related to the overall mission of the Laboratory. Research may be within any scientific or technology development activity of the appointee's Division.
What You'll Bring:
  • Experimental AMO or quantum-sensing expertise: Experience operating, troubleshooting, and analyzing complex laboratory experiments involving cold atoms, lasers, optics, or related systems
  • Independent experimental problem solving: Ability to design measurements, identify systematics, and turn open-ended scientific questions into actionable experimental or analysis plans.
  • Scientific communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, documentation, or collaboration work.
  • Demonstrated potential to make meaningful contributions to the laboratory that support future consideration for appointment as an Associate Scientist.

Additional Skills That Will Set You Apart:
  • Laser cooling or atom interferometry experience: Familiarity with laser-cooled atoms, optical clocks, single-photon atom optics, atom interferometry, or frequency-stabilized lasers.
  • Scientific computing: Experience with Python, C++, Julia, UNIX/Linux, bash, git, data analysis, or reproducible scientific software workflows.
  • Simulation and statistical analysis: Experience developing simulations, systematics models, signal-inference tools, or analysis pipelines for complex experiments.

Core Responsibilities:
  • Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success:
  • Completion of PhD or are expected to complete within the current calendar year.

Work Arrangement:
  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid time-off
  • Life insurance
  • Short and Long-term disability insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
Pre-Employment Screening:
Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening
Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
HSPD-12
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Foreign Government Sponsored Activities
Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

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