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Paid Research Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Field Research Assistant

Windfall, IN ยท On-site

$12 - $17/hr

Execute field research operations related to planting, thinning, weeding, pollinations, and sample ... Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law) * Supplemental Insurance Plans

Highway Engineer

Greenfield, IN ยท On-site

$75K/yr

Design and Research: Assist in the development of programs, research development & technology plans ... Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off * 12 paid holidays, 14 on ...

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Paid Research Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$20

$30

How much do paid research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for paid research assistant in Indiana is $20.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paid research assistant?

Paid Research Assistants are individuals, often students or early-career professionals, who are hired by universities, research institutions, or private organizations to support academic or scientific research projects. Their duties may include collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments, performing literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of reports and publications. Paid Research Assistants typically work under the supervision of a lead researcher or principal investigator and receive hourly wages or a stipend for their work. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in research methodologies and can be a stepping stone to advanced study or careers in research and academia.

What does a paid research assistant do?

As a Paid Research Assistant, your daily tasks often include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing research materials, and assisting with experiments or surveys. You may also help with administrative duties such as scheduling, organizing files, and maintaining research databases. Collaboration is key in this role, as you'll regularly communicate with principal investigators, graduate students, and other team members to ensure research objectives are met efficiently. This position provides hands-on experience in research methodologies and offers valuable opportunities to develop skills that are beneficial for future academic or professional pursuits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paid research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paid Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in the relevant academic field, often supported by a bachelor's degree or equivalent coursework. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), literature databases, and sometimes IRB protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and manage multiple research tasks. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, reliable research outcomes, and efficient support for lead researchers.

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

AspectPaid Research AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree or current student statusOften requires a master's degree or higher in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, academic, or field research settingsResearch labs, universities, or industry research teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, government agenciesAcademic institutions, private companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles and responsibilitiesExploring advanced research roles and career progression

Paid Research Assistants typically support research projects at an entry level, often requiring a bachelor's degree or current student status. Research Associates usually hold higher qualifications like a master's degree and are involved in more independent research tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Research Associates generally have more experience and responsibilities.

Are research assistant positions paid?

Research assistant positions are typically paid roles that offer hourly wages or stipends, especially in academic or research settings. Compensation varies depending on the institution, project funding, and level of experience, and some positions may also provide academic credit or stipends for graduate students.

Do paid research assistants get paid a lot?

Paid research assistants typically earn hourly wages that vary depending on the field, experience, and location, with many positions paying between minimum wage and $20 per hour. Higher salaries are often associated with advanced skills, specialized knowledge, or working in competitive research environments. Overall, research assistant pay is generally considered moderate and not usually classified as high-paying compared to other professional roles.

How much does a paid research assistant get paid?

Paid research assistants typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, depending on their experience, education level, and the complexity of the research tasks. Some positions may offer stipends or fixed project-based payments, especially in academic or nonprofit settings.

How to become a paid research assistant?

To become a paid research assistant, typically you need to have relevant academic background or skills in the research area, such as a degree or coursework in the field. Applying for positions through university departments, research institutions, or online job boards is common, and strong organizational and communication skills are often required. Some roles may also require familiarity with research tools or data analysis software.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Paid Research Assistant jobs in Indiana?

For Paid Research Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Paid Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Paid Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Paid Research Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,364 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Research Assistant (Lab Research Assistant)

Bloomington, IN โ€ข On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Linda and Jack Gill Institute for Neuroscience was established to advance the understanding of complex brain processes and to train next generation scientists in state-of-the-art approaches in the field of neuroscience. The Gill Institute brings together multidisciplinary teams of world-class faculty interested in understanding brain functions under physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, the Gill Institute provides training to graduate students from a range of disciplines in the use and development of measurement techniques and instrumentation, as well as an opportunity for undergraduate students to be involved in cutting-edge research projects. It also provides a platform for interaction with industry in order to identify important problems and to commercialize advances. Finally, the Gill Institute widely disseminates advances in neuroscience methods.
Job Summary
A person in this role will join a friendly and motivated team with interests in network neuroscience using behavioral tests and electrophysiology.
Department Specific Responsibilities
  • Performs laboratory maintenance.
  • Manages annual inspections.
  • Handles live animals (mice).
  • Manages mice breeding, brain tissue processing, including perfusion and brain slice preparation and immunohistochemistry.
General Responsibilities
  • Conduct tests across a diverse array of assays using laboratory machinery and computer programs.
  • Tests and sets up lab equipment.
  • Collects data and prepares reports based upon established protocols.
  • Attends and participates in departmental meetings.
  • Orders, receives, and inventories laboratory supplies.
  • Cleans glassware and maintains laboratory work areas.
  • Troubleshoots breakdowns, performs preventive maintenance, and calls for repairs as needed.
  • Maintains logs and equipment record books.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting. OR
  • Associate's degree and 4 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Preferred
  • Previous research experience in neuroanatomical techniques
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Highly thorough and dependable.
  • Possesses a high degree of initiative.
  • Ability to build strong customer relationships.
Preferred
  • Maintains strong organizational skills.
  • Demonstrates strong attention to detail.
  • Possesses strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting with minimal supervision as part of a research team.
Working Conditions / Demands
The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
Applications received by June 15th, 2026 will receive full consideration
Work Location
Bloomington, Indiana
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Mastery
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Research
Job Family: Laboratory Research
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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