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Biological Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Computational Biologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $163K/yr

Minimum 2 years of experience in developing bioinformatic methods, analysis pipelines, or software tools for biological data using appropriate programming language. * Minimum of 1 year of experience ...

Minimum 2 years of experience in developing bioinformatic methods, analysis pipelines, or software tools for biological data using appropriate programming language. * Minimum of 1 year of experience ...

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills and connects biology to current topics including genetic engineering, environmental conservation, public health, and careers in the life sciences.

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Biological Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.1K

$42.3K

$56.2K

How much do biological engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for biological engineering in Chicago, IL is $42,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $46,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is biological engineering?

Biological engineering, also known as bioengineering, is a field that applies principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop technologies and solutions for problems related to living systems. Biological engineers work on projects like designing medical devices, creating sustainable biofuels, improving agricultural processes, and developing new pharmaceuticals. This interdisciplinary field combines knowledge from life sciences and engineering to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biological engineer?

To thrive as a Biological Engineer, you need a solid grounding in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in biological or biomedical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, bioinformatics tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and relevant certifications such as FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication help set candidates apart in interdisciplinary research and development environments. These skills are crucial for innovating solutions to complex biological problems and ensuring successful project outcomes in healthcare, agriculture, or environmental sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by biological engineers when working on interdisciplinary teams?

Biological engineers often collaborate with professionals from diverse fields such as chemistry, computer science, and mechanical engineering. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as technical jargon and differing perspectives can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, aligning project goals and timelines can be complex, especially when integrating biological systems with engineered components. Successful biological engineers develop strong teamwork and communication skills to bridge these gaps and drive projects forward efficiently.

What is the difference between Biological Engineering vs Biomedical Engineering?

AspectBiological EngineeringBiomedical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biological Engineering or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Biomedical Engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, environmental agenciesHospitals, medical device companies, research institutions
Industry UsageBiotech, agriculture, environmental sectorsHealthcare, medical device, pharmaceutical sectors

Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering share foundational knowledge and often require similar degrees. However, Biological Engineering focuses more on environmental, agricultural, and biotech applications, while Biomedical Engineering concentrates on medical devices, healthcare, and clinical solutions. Both fields involve working in research labs and industry settings, but their specific applications and industry focus differ.

Are biological engineers well paid?

Biological engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage for biological engineers is above the national average for engineering roles, with higher pay often associated with advanced degrees and specialized skills in areas like biotechnology and biomedical engineering.

Is biological engineering a good career?

Biological engineering is a growing field that combines biology, engineering, and technology to develop solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. It often requires strong skills in biology, chemistry, and engineering principles, with job opportunities in research, development, and industry sectors. The career can offer competitive salaries and the chance to work on innovative projects, but it typically requires a relevant degree and ongoing technical training.

Is biological engineering high demand?

Biological engineering is a growing field with increasing demand in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. Job opportunities are expected to expand as advancements in biotechnology and bioinformatics continue, requiring skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What can you do as a biological engineer?

Biological engineers develop and apply principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to design products and processes in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. They work on tasks like creating medical devices, improving bioprocesses, and developing sustainable solutions, often using tools like lab equipment and computer modeling. The role typically requires a bachelor's degree in biological engineering or a related field, with advanced positions sometimes requiring a master's or doctorate.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biological Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Biological Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Biological Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Biological Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biological Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Biological Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Biological Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,289 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Chemical Biology and Therapeutics - A Division-wide, Open-rank Faculty Search #BSD042

Chicago, IL • On-site


The University of Chicago
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description
Scope and Opportunity
The University of Chicago's Biological Sciences Division is searching for full-time scientists, physician-scientists, and engineers whose work will advance the discovery, design, development, translation, and mechanistic understanding of new therapeutic strategies. This search is intended to capture the full continuum from basic chemical and molecular discovery to translational therapeutics, including programs that bridge chemistry, biology, engineering, computation, pharmacology, and medicine.
We are particularly interested in candidates who develop innovative approaches to interrogate biological mechanisms, modulate disease-relevant pathways, discover new therapeutic targets, or create transformative therapeutic platforms.
Academic rank, track, tenure status, and compensation are dependent upon qualifications. Primary appointments will be in appropriate departments or units, most likely in the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), though potentially in the Physical Sciences Division (PSD) or the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), with possible secondary appointments in other relevant units depending on the candidates' research.
These positions are benefits eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Appointees will join a highly collaborative academic ecosystem in which outstanding basic science, engineering, and clinical departments are co-located on a compact urban campus, with state-of-the-art core facilities, exceptional graduate and medical students, and opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary research, translation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship, including Hyde Park Labs, a new hybrid facility for academic research, science-based companies and the UChicago Science Incubator, and the newly established Therapeutic Discovery Institute.
Research Priorities
The goal of this search is to recruit faculty who will help build an integrated therapeutic discovery and development ecosystem at the University of Chicago, connecting fundamental biological discovery with chemical, computational, engineering, and clinical approaches to developing new medicines.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
  • Chemical biology and molecular mechanisms of disease
  • Small-molecule drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutic design
  • Protein-, peptide-, antibody-, RNA-, gene-, genome engineering-, and cell-based therapeutics
  • Targeted protein degradation and molecular glues
  • Structural biology, structure-based and computational drug discovery
  • High-throughput screening, functional genomics, and chemical-genetic approaches
  • Drug delivery, biomaterials, nanomedicine, and tissue-targeted therapeutics
  • Synthetic biology and engineered therapeutic platforms
  • Translational pharmacology, biomarker-guided therapeutics, and early-stage clinical translation
  • Therapeutic development at the interface of academia, industry, and entrepreneurship
Selection Process
The initial phase of the search is led by a committee composed of faculty from multiple departments and divisions rather than by a single hiring department. This phase is designed to identify leading candidates across the breadth of the search area and to consider how their scholarship could contribute to, and be advanced by, the University's scientific programs and intellectual environment. During an initial campus visit, candidates will meet faculty from multiple departments, institutes, and programs.
A follow-up visit will be organized by the departmental affiliation(s) best suited to support each candidate's work and long-term success. Additional information about the selection principles and the broader division-wide recruitment strategy is available here: BSD Faculty Recruitment.
A Division-Wide Recruitment Initiative
This search is one of five coordinated, open-rank searches through which the Biological Sciences Division and UChicago Medicine, in collaboration with the Physical Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, are recruiting a cohort of exceptional faculty to expand the scale, disciplinary breadth, and human impact of biomedical research at UChicago. Candidates whose work spans more than one search area are encouraged to apply to multiple searches.
  1. Cancer Biology and Immunology
  2. Chemical Biology and Therapeutics (this ad)
  3. Translational Neuroscience
  4. AI-Enabled Biology and Medicine
  5. Physician-Scientists-All Health-Related Areas
Application
Prior to the start of employment, qualifiedapplicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be considered, those interested must apply through The University of Chicago, Academic Recruitment job board, which uses Interfolio to accept applications: https://apply.interfolio.com/190752. Applicants must upload:
  1. a cover letter
  2. CV including bibliography
  3. research statement
  4. teaching statement
  5. names and contact information for three references

Review of complete applications will start on September 30, 2026, and end when the positions are filled.
For instructions on the Interfolio application process, please visit http://tiny.cc/InterfolioHelp.


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