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$48.1K

$123.8K

$165.6K

How much do contract research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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 a contract research scientist?

A Contract Research Scientist is a professional hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to conduct scientific research, analyze data, and develop new technologies or products. They typically work for pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, government agencies, or academic institutions. Their responsibilities may include designing experiments, writing reports, and collaborating with teams to achieve research goals. Unlike full-time scientists, they work under fixed-term contracts and may work on multiple projects for different organizations.

What types of projects or research areas do contract research scientists typically work on?

Contract Research Scientists are often engaged in a diverse range of projects depending on the organization's needs, such as pharmaceutical development, biotechnology innovations, environmental testing, or engineering studies. You may be tasked with designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, writing technical reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders. The variety of assignments provides exposure to different scientific challenges and methods, allowing for rapid skill development and professional growth. This dynamic work environment is ideal for professionals who enjoy working on multiple topics and collaborating with scientists from various disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract research scientist?

To thrive as a Contract Research Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and experimental design, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), statistical software (such as R or SPSS), and standard lab equipment is commonly required, and certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) can be advantageous. Strong project management, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage shifting priorities. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality research outcomes on time and adapting to varied project scopes in contract-based environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Scientist jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Research Scientist jobs in Indiana are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contract Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Scientist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,814 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Research Scientist - Protein Sciences

Socket.dev

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 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.

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