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Junior Research Associate information

See Indiana salary details

$27.6K

$54.9K

$118.5K

How much do junior research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior research associate in Indiana is $54,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,900.00 and $56,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectJunior Research AssociateResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, some roles may prefer a master'sTypically a bachelor's degree or ongoing education
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, industry settingsLaboratories, field sites, academic environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research projects, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research roles with similar responsibilitiesEntry-level support role assisting senior researchers

The main difference between a Junior Research Associate and a Research Assistant lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Junior Research Associates typically have more advanced education and handle more independent research tasks, while Research Assistants focus on supporting research activities under supervision. Both roles are common in academic and industry research settings, but the Junior Research Associate position often requires a higher level of expertise and offers greater responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior research associate?

To thrive as a Junior Research Associate, you need a solid background in research methodologies, data analysis, and a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, such as in science or social science. Familiarity with statistical software (like SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research documentation systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate, reliable research outcomes and effective collaboration within research teams.

What is a junior research associate?

Junior Research Associates are entry-level professionals who assist in conducting research projects across various fields such as science, social sciences, or business. They typically support senior researchers by collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and helping with literature reviews. Their role is essential in ensuring that research projects run smoothly and efficiently, often providing administrative and technical support. Junior Research Associates also gain valuable experience that helps them progress to more advanced research positions.

What are some common challenges faced by junior research associates when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

Junior Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing deadlines, coordinating with multiple team members, and adapting quickly to shifting project requirements are frequent hurdles. To succeed, it's important to communicate proactively with supervisors, keep organized records, and seek guidance when prioritizing tasks. Developing strong organizational skills early can help ensure you meet expectations and contribute effectively to your research team.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Junior Research Associate jobs in Indiana?

For Junior Research Associate jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Research Associate jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Research Associate jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Junior Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Junior Research Associate job openings:

Junior Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Research Associate job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,859 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Post Doc Research Associate

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Post Doc Research Associate
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Kasinski Laboratory at Purdue University is seeking an exceptionally motivated, innovative, and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a highly collaborative research program focused on RNA therapeutics, targeted drug delivery, extracellular vesicle biology, and translational cancer research. Our laboratory is developing next-generation small RNA therapeutics, including chemically modified microRNAs and siRNAs, with the goal of advancing novel cancer treatments toward clinical translation.
The successful candidate will lead independent research projects investigating the design, delivery, mechanism of action, and therapeutic application of RNA-based medicines in cancer. This position offers substantial opportunities for scientific leadership, career development, and direct involvement in translational research efforts spanning fundamental biology, therapeutic development, and commercialization.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in molecular biology and in vivo cancer models and have a strong interest in RNA therapeutics and nucleic acid biology. The candidate will be expected to independently develop research directions, design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals, contribute to fellowship and grant applications, and actively participate in mentoring junior laboratory members.
Career Development OpportunitiesThe successful candidate will have opportunities to:
  • Lead high-impact translational research projects.
  • Publish in top-tier scientific journals.
  • Participate in the preparation of NIH, DoD, foundation, and industry-sponsored grant applications.
  • Develop skills in therapeutic development, intellectual property, and commercialization through interactions with LigamiR Therapeutics and other translational partners.
  • Receive mentorship tailored toward career advancement in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Education
  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.

Experience
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
  • Strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including nucleic acid manipulation, cloning, gene expression analysis, CRISPR-based approaches, protein analysis, and functional cellular assays.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with in vivo mouse studies, including tumor implantation models, therapeutic efficacy studies, tissue collection, and downstream molecular analyses.
  • Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with RNA therapeutics, including microRNAs, siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, mRNA technologies, or related nucleic acid-based platforms.
  • Familiarity with chemically modified RNAs, oligonucleotide design, RNA chemistry, or RNA structure-function relationships.
  • Experience evaluating therapeutic efficacy, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, or target engagement in preclinical models.
  • Experience with cancer biology, tumor microenvironment studies, extracellular vesicle biology, or translational oncology research.
  • Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies and computational analysis of genomic or transcriptomic datasets.
  • Previous involvement in preparing fellowship applications, grant proposals, or patent disclosures.

Desired Skills and Personal Attributes
  • Highly driven scientist with a strong desire to make impactful discoveries and advance technologies toward clinical application.
  • Demonstrated ability to think creatively, identify important scientific questions, and develop innovative experimental approaches.
  • Strong commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and excellence.
  • Ability to independently drive multiple projects from conception through publication.
  • Interest in pursuing external fellowship funding and contributing to grant development.
  • Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative team player who contributes positively to laboratory culture and enjoys working with scientists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and a willingness to mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.
  • Enthusiasm for working at the interface of basic science, translational research, and therapeutic development.

FLSA Status
Exempt

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