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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Research Associate information

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How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Indiana is $23.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.13 and $29.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Associate, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies, typically supported by enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and possibly lab equipment or coding languages is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and time management are critical soft skills for producing high-quality research and collaborating with faculty and peers. These skills are vital for conducting rigorous research, contributing to academic publications, and advancing both individual and institutional research goals.

What are some typical challenges Graduate Research Associates face when balancing research responsibilities with coursework or teaching duties?

Graduate Research Associates often juggle multiple commitments, including research, coursework, and sometimes teaching assistantships. Managing time effectively can be challenging, especially when project deadlines and academic requirements overlap. Many associates develop strong organizational and communication skills to handle shifting priorities, and it's common to coordinate closely with advisors to set realistic goals and expectations. Proactively seeking support from peers and utilizing university resources can also help in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What are Graduate Research Associates?

Graduate Research Associates are graduate students, often pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, who assist faculty members or research teams with academic research projects. Their responsibilities can include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing research reports, and sometimes co-authoring publications. These positions help students gain practical research experience and develop skills relevant to their academic and professional careers.

How much is a research associate paid?

Research associates typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and field. Graduate research associates often receive stipends or stipends plus tuition waivers, with pay rates varying by institution and funding sources.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Associate vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Research AssociateResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in a graduate program; may have a bachelor's degreeUsually holds a bachelor's degree; some roles require a master's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry R&D departmentsResearch labs, academic settings, or fieldwork environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, and industry R&D teamsUniversities, government agencies, and private companies

The Graduate Research Associate role generally involves advanced research responsibilities within academic or industry settings and often requires enrollment in a graduate program. Research Assistants typically support research projects with less independent responsibility and may have fewer educational prerequisites. Both roles are essential for research projects but differ mainly in educational status and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,515 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Post Doc Research Associate

Post Doc Research Associate

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Req Id: 38942
Job Title: Post Doc Research Associate
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The NanoEngineering for Advanced Theranostics (NEAT) Laboratory, led by PI Dr. Jessica Hsu (starting January 2026), is seeking highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellows to join a research program that integrates molecular imaging and nanomedicine, leveraging their complementary strengths to improve disease outcomes. Our overall approach is to identify unmet clinical needs, devise innovative solutions, and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to implement and iteratively refine each strategy, thereby maximizing both scientific impact and translational potential.
Responsibilities
  • Design multifunctional nanoplatforms (organic, inorganic, hybrid) for image-guided (PET/SPECT, CT, MRI, optical, etc.) therapeutic applications (radiotherapy, immunotherapy, phototherapy, etc.).
  • Investigate mechanisms at the nano-bio interface to better modulate immune responses, the tumor microenvironment, and other biological processes.
  • Conduct preclinical studies using in vivo disease models (cancer, inflammation, organ injury, etc.) and new alternative methodologies (advanced biological models, etc.) to assess safety and efficacy.
  • Expand research projects with original ideas and mentor graduate/undergraduate students.
  • Prepare manuscripts, present findings at conferences, and actively pursue extramural funding.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with a demonstrated track record of research publications.
  • Familiarity in bio/nanomaterial synthesis, bioimaging, drug delivery, radiochemistry, and/or molecular biology techniques is preferred.
  • Experience working with radioisotopes and small animal models is desirable.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

About the PI
Dr. Jessica Hsu received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021 and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025. She will join the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University as an Assistant Professor in January 2026. She has authored >50 peer-reviewed publications (>2500 citations, h-index: 24) in leading journals including Advanced Functional Materials, Chemistry of Materials, and Nature Reviews Methods Primers. Her research has been recognized with numerous honors, including the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Brody Family Postdoctoral Fellowship, and WMIC WIMIN Scholar Awards. She has also served as a guest editor for two special issues and as a reviewer for >15 journals and conferences. Dr. Hsu is deeply committed to creating a diverse, collaborative, and dynamic lab that prioritizes teaching and mentoring to empower all members to achieve excellence in research. More details can be found via https://hhs.purdue.edu/hsu-neatlab/.
About the School
The School of Health Sciences at Purdue University offers nationally recognized research and education programs in areas of Biomedical Health, Radiological Health (Medical/Health Physics), Environmental and Occupational Health, and Toxicology (https://hhs.purdue.edu/hsci/). Purdue University provides many shared facilities and postdoctoral training resources including support for grant writing and career advancement (https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/postdoctoral-studies/index.php). Collaborative opportunities exist with various clinical departments at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Contact
To apply, please submit your application at https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Post-Doc-Research-Associate/38942-en_US/ and include the following materials: a CV and cover letter describing current and future research interests.
Review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Jessica Hsu by email jchsu@purdue.edu.

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