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Entry Level Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Tradebe

Environmental Field Chemist

Griffith, IN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Opportunity for entry-level and experienced candidates * 50-70% travel, up to 12 overnights a month ... Input data and research materials using company software * Operate a 26-foot box truck once CDL ...

Tradebe

Environmental Field Chemist

Griffith, IN · On-site

$7.8K/wk

Use internal software systems to research, record, and manage data * Drive a 26ft box truck once a ... Degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field; the equivalent in work-related ...

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All JobsResearch Scientist JobsEntry Level Research Scientist JobsEntry Level Research Scientist Jobs in Indiana

Entry Level Research Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$48.1K

$123.8K

$165.6K

How much do entry level research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 does an entry level research scientist do?

An entry level research scientist assists in designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments under the supervision of senior scientists. They may collect and interpret data, maintain laboratory equipment, and help prepare reports or publications. Their work is vital for supporting ongoing research projects and gaining foundational experience in scientific methods and procedures. Entry level research scientists often work in fields such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, and their tasks may vary depending on the specific area of research.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level research scientist roles typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field; jobs paying $4,000 a week without a degree are rare. High-paying roles without degrees often include skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require experience, certifications, or specialized skills. Most high-earning positions rely on education, training, or proven expertise rather than solely on experience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Research Scientist vs Research Associate?

CriteriaEntry Level Research ScientistResearch Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant fieldBachelor's or Master's, often with some research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesLaboratories, research teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharmaAcademic labs, industry research divisions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Research Scientists and Research Associates often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; 'Research Associate' may imply slightly more experience or specific roles, but both positions typically involve conducting experiments, data analysis, and supporting research projects in laboratory settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Research Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Research Scientist, you need a solid academic background in a scientific discipline, strong analytical skills, and experience with laboratory techniques, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as R or Python), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and relevant safety certifications is often required. Attention to detail, curiosity, effective teamwork, and strong written and verbal communication skills help distinguish candidates in this field. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate research results, maintaining safe lab environments, and contributing effectively to scientific discovery and collaboration.

What Does an Entry-Level Research Scientist Do?

As an entry-level research scientist, your job is to help conduct research for an employer. In this role, you may help develop the parameters of the experiment, assist with running the experiment, document the results, and finally conduct an analysis of the gathered information. Entry-level research scientists often specialize in specific fields or industries, such as food science or biology. Many research scientists work in labs, but you may also host debates, send out surveys online, or collect information through other means. Entry-level research scientists are highly trained and qualified researchers despite the lack of experience and should not be confused with laboratory assistants or other entry-level research roles.

How to get into a research scientist?

To become an entry-level research scientist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Gaining laboratory experience through internships or research projects, developing strong analytical and technical skills, and often pursuing a master's or Ph.D. can improve job prospects. Familiarity with research tools and methods is also beneficial.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level research scientists during their first year?

Entry level research scientists often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous nature of research projects, mastering new laboratory techniques, and learning to interpret complex data. Collaborating effectively with senior researchers and multidisciplinary teams can also require strong communication skills. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks—such as conducting experiments, analyzing results, and preparing reports—requires effective time management and adaptability as you build experience.

What is the starting salary for a research scientist?

The starting salary for an entry-level research scientist typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and educational background. Salaries may increase with additional skills, certifications, or advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field.

Can I be a research scientist without a PhD?

Entry level research scientist positions often require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. While a PhD can enhance prospects and lead to more advanced roles, some organizations hire candidates with strong academic backgrounds and research experience without a doctorate, especially if they possess relevant skills and laboratory experience.
More about Entry Level Research Scientist jobs
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 Entry Level Research Scientist jobs in Indiana? For Entry Level Research Scientist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Research Scientist jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Research Scientist jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Research Scientist jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Entry Level Research Scientist job openings:
Entry Level Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Research Scientist job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,814 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Scientist - Protein Production

Helix Biostructures

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Scientist Protein Production

Helix BioStructures, LLC (HBS) is a contract research organization (CRO) based in Indianapolis, Indiana, providing early drug discovery services to the biopharmaceutical industry. HBS maintains a full suite of services that encompass chemical & structural analysis, protein production, computational modeling, and design. HBSs core and most popular services are structural biology imaging techniques: X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM. HBS was founded in 2018 and has grown considerably. We are looking to add a Scientist focused on protein production to join our Indianapolis-based team.


Main Responsibilities


This scientist will support our protein production pipeline by expressing and purifying recombinant proteins in bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems; performing biophysical characterization to assess sample quality and stability; developing and optimizing expression and purification protocols; interfacing with our clients; and writing technical project reports. The scientist will also contribute to improving expression and purification methods to accelerate research processes.

Highly desirable hands-on experiences include:

(a) Experience in recombinant protein expression and purification across bacterial, insect, and mammalian cell lines.

(b) Use of biophysical and analytical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western Blot, TSA, DLS, Mass Spectrometry, and others) to assess protein quality, purity, and stability.

This scientist will employ a range of experimental methods (biochemical, biophysical, and/or computational) to support our clients structure-based drug discovery, antibody discovery, and/or protein engineering. Accordingly, proficiency in recombinant protein expression and purification and a passion for generating high-quality, well-characterized protein reagents are essential. Any structural biology experience (X-ray crystallography or Cryo-EM) is a plus, but is not required for this role. The successful candidate will be a strong technical contributor who can execute reliably at the bench and collaborate with colleagues on multiple projects in parallel. This role is open to candidates ranging from entry-level to experienced scientists; the level of hire, scope, and degree of independence will be determined by the candidates experience and qualifications, with the opportunity to help drive discovery projects from inception through early development.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Express and purify proteins to target quality and yield within industrial timeframes.
  • Document experimental data and communicate research priorities, progress, and results with clients/project teams.
  • Provide technical and scientific input to project teams, with the scope of guidance to other members of the Protein Sciences group, scaling with seniority and experience.
  • The candidate will be responsible for timely updates on project statuses, reporting to their supervisor informally and to Helixs customers by formal report writing and oral presentations.

Required Qualifications

This position is open to candidates ranging from entry-level to experienced scientists. The qualifications below represent the minimum requirements for the role; the final level of hire will be determined based on the candidates experience and qualifications.


  • D. in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, protein engineering, or a related field; OR a Masters degree with 25 years of relevant industrial experience; OR a Bachelors degree with 510 years of relevant industrial experience.
  • Demonstrated competency in recombinant protein expression and purification using bacterial, insect, and mammalian cell lines; hands-on experience across all three systems is strongly preferred.
  • Ability to generate and characterize milligram to gram quantities of high-quality protein reagents for downstream studies.
  • Experience with standard analytical and biophysical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western Blot, TSA, DLS, Mass Spectrometry, and others) for assessing protein quality, purity, and stability during purification.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.


Additional qualifications


  • Hands-on experience in engineering protein constructs and optimizing the production of protein targets for structural and functional studies.
  • Experience in structural biology is a plus but not required, including protein X-ray crystallography (sample assessment, crystallization, optimization, data collection, and structure determination/refinement) and familiarity with software such as Phenix, CCP4, Coot, and PyMOL.
  • Experience with protein engineering and/or design approaches.
  • Analysis, design, and/or computational approaches to investigate ligand-protein complexes.
  • Experience with Cryo-EM is a plus, especially grid vitrification and screening.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Willingness to tackle challenging technical problems.

Location



This position is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and does NOT offer a hybrid option. Interaction with external service vendors is also expected. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; Helix BioStructures does NOT provide visa sponsorship for this position.


Physical Requirements

Able to lift 30 lb objects with dimensions 30 inches in height and 18 inches in width.

Able to visualize microscopic objects under microscopes.

Non-standard work schedule, travel, and lab safety


Able to adhere to safe work practices and perform lab work with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as but not limited to safety goggles, facial mask, gloves, lab coat/ protective gowning, and closed-toe shoes. Able to work at flexible hours occasionally when performing time-sensitive experiments.

Other job details

  • Eligible for Relocation Package
  • Competitive Salary + annual bonus
  • Retirement (matching 401K)
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Company Apple Computer

Helix BioStructures, LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and we embrace the increasingly diverse world around us. Helix BioStructures, LLC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status.