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Computational Physicist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * 5+ years of experience in antenna design. * Expert understanding of electromagnetics and computational methods. * Design experience in microwave passive ...

New

Postdoctoral Fellow

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

... computational approaches to the strong interaction. Possible directions include the extraction and ... IU Physics Department also maintains strong ties to leading hadronic and nuclear physics ...

Ability to explain modeling techniques for physical systems, approximation methods, and stability analysis while preparing students for engineering, physics, finance, and computational science ...

Ability to explain modeling techniques for physical systems, approximation methods, and stability analysis while preparing students for engineering, physics, finance, and computational science ...

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Computational Physicist information

See Indiana salary details

$136K

$161.1K

$183.7K

How much do computational physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for computational physicist in Indiana is $161,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,400.00 and $173,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a computational physicist do?

A computational physicist applies numerical analysis to solve problems or support theories in physics. In this career, you use knowledge from numerous disciplines, including physics, statistics, mathematics, and computer science, to test a theory. You use algorithms and other methodological tools to crunch large datasets using powerful computers, which helps in solving differential equations and other statistical problems. This can include Monte Carlo calculations and eigenvalue problems. Some people consider computational physics a branch of theoretical physics or its own discipline with specific duties and responsibilities.

What is the difference between Computational Physicist vs Data Scientist?

AspectComputational PhysicistData Scientist
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, often PhD, strong math and programming skillsStatistics, computer science, or related degree, often with a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, government agencies, scientific institutionsTech companies, finance, healthcare, consulting firms
Industry UsageScientific research, simulations, modeling physical systemsData analysis, predictive modeling, business insights

While both roles require strong programming and analytical skills, Computational Physicists focus on physical systems and scientific research, whereas Data Scientists analyze data to inform business decisions. The choice depends on your interest in scientific research versus data-driven applications.

What are some typical challenges computational physicists face when working on collaborative research projects?

Computational physicists often collaborate with experimentalists, engineers, and other researchers, which can present challenges such as bridging communication gaps between disciplines and integrating diverse data formats or methodologies. Coordinating project timelines to ensure that simulations align with experimental milestones is also common. Additionally, managing large datasets and ensuring reproducibility of results across different computing environments can require careful planning and documentation. Effective teamwork and adaptability are essential to overcome these hurdles and drive successful research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computational physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computational Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computer science, typically supported by at least a master's or Ph.D. in physics or a related field. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB, as well as experience with simulation software and high-performance computing systems, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help you tackle complex scientific challenges and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. These skills are crucial for developing accurate models, efficiently solving intricate problems, and advancing scientific research through computational methods.

What is a computational physicist?

A computational physicist is a scientist who uses computer simulations, numerical analysis, and algorithms to solve complex physical problems that are difficult or impossible to address analytically. They work in fields like condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and materials science, modeling phenomena such as atomic interactions or galaxy formation. Their work often involves writing code, analyzing large datasets, and collaborating with experimental and theoretical physicists. Computational physicists play a key role in advancing scientific knowledge by providing insights where traditional methods fall short.
What are the most commonly searched types of Computational Physicist jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Computational Physicist jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Computational Physicist jobs in Indiana? For Computational Physicist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Computational Physicist jobs in IN? For Computational Physicist jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Computational Physicist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,100 per year, or $77.5 per hour.

Research Scientist - Computational Biologist

Elanco

Indianapolis, IN • Hybrid

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st 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: Research Scientist - Computational Biologist

As a Research Scientist on our Discovery Research team, you will be at the forefront of Elanco's mission to deliver innovative biologics that improve animal health. You will leverage and develop state-of-the-art AI and structural modeling tools to predict, design, and optimize therapeutic antibodies and proteins. Partnering closely with our principal Computational Scientist and wet-lab teams, you will directly impact the speed and success of our pipeline, helping to create the next generation of animal health therapies. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills in a rapidly evolving field while contributing to tangible, real-world outcomes.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Utilize and develop AI-driven tools (e.g., AlphaFold, Rosetta) to predict and design high-resolution structures of antibodies and other proteins, directly supporting our therapeutic biologics pipeline.

  • Apply generative AI and structural modeling techniques to design novel antibody and protein modalities from scratch, optimizing them for high-precision epitope targeting, affinity, and specificity.

  • Proactively identify and engineer out potential liabilities (e.g., aggregation, immunogenicity) and train novel structure-based ML architectures to enhance the developability of our biologic candidates.

  • Partner closely with wet-lab scientists to analyze experimental data, validate computational predictions, and rapidly iterate on designs to accelerate antibody selection and optimization.

  • Stay current with the evolving AI landscape by evaluating new tools, maintaining thorough documentation, and effectively communicating complex findings to cross-functional teams.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

  • Education: Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Structural Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.

  • Experience: 0-3 years of post-graduate experience applying computational methods to biological problems.

  • Top Skills: A strong foundation in structural bioinformatics and AI/ML modeling, with proficiency in a programming language like Python, and the communication skills to work effectively in a cross-functional scientific environment.

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

  • Experience withde novoprotein design tools, such as diffusion models or physics-based approaches.

  • A track record of applying computational tools to solve biological problems, evidenced by publications or significant project contributions.

  • Familiarity with cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS, GCP) and MLOps principles.

  • Experience in antibody or protein engineering and a foundational understanding of immunology.

  • A proactive mindset with a passion for staying current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and a motivation to test and evaluate new methodologies.

Additional Information:

  • Travel: Minimal

  • Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

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 jobrelated 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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