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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoc Research Associate information

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$10

$18

$31

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Indiana is $18.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $19.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a Postdoc Research Associate within a research institution?

As a Postdoc Research Associate, you will frequently collaborate with principal investigators, graduate students, and fellow postdocs both within your department and across interdisciplinary teams. These collaborations often involve co-authoring research papers, designing experiments, and sharing specialized expertise or equipment. Many institutions also encourage postdocs to participate in seminars, lab meetings, and grant-writing sessions, which foster networking and skill development. Such teamwork not only enriches your research but also broadens your professional network, which can be crucial for future career advancement.

What is the difference between Postdoc Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsUniversities, research centers, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and government researchAcademia, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Postdoc Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in experience level and career stage. Postdoc Research Associates are typically early-career researchers with a Ph.D. working on specific projects, often aiming for academic careers. Research Scientists usually have more experience, may hold advanced degrees, and work on broader research initiatives in academia or industry. Both roles require strong research skills and doctoral credentials, but their responsibilities and career paths differ.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc Research Associate, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant field, robust research experience, and advanced analytical skills. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration are essential soft skills for presenting findings and working within research teams. These skills ensure high-quality research output, effective teamwork, and successful advancement of scientific knowledge.

What is a Postdoc Research Associate?

A Postdoc Research Associate is an individual who has completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in advanced academic or scientific research, usually on a temporary contract. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member, contributing to ongoing research projects and often leading their own studies. Their main goal is to gain further research experience, publish findings, and develop skills needed for academic or industry careers. Postdoc positions are common in universities, research institutes, and some private sector organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc Research jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Postdoc Research jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,325 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI-Driven Software & Systems Research

Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI-Driven Software & Systems Research

Purdue University

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Req Id: 42393
Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI-Driven Software & Systems Research
City: Indianapolis
Job Description:
Overview
Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions
AI-Driven Software & Systems Research

The newly established Intelligent Software & Systems Center (ISC) in the College of Engineering at Purdue University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the broad area of AI-driven software and systems research. These are highly collaborative positions offering the opportunity to help shape a new interdisciplinary research center at one of the nation's leading engineering institutions.
The appointments are expected to begin in Fall 2026 and are initially for 2 years, with possible extension depending on performance and funding availability.
VISION
Position Purdue as a national leader in AI-driven software and systems research spanning edge computing, cloud and distributed systems, high-performance computing (HPC), autonomous software infrastructures, and AI-enabled engineering systems.
RESEARCH AREAS
Area 1 - AI for Programming Systems
Research topics include AI-assisted compilation and optimization, intelligent runtime systems, code generation and transformation, HPC, parallel and distributed computing, compiler infrastructures, heterogeneous systems, and autonomous system optimization.
Desired expertise includes compilers, runtime systems, programming languages, HPC, systems for AI/ML, performance optimization, and distributed systems.
Area 2 - AI for Software Engineering
Research topics include AI-assisted software development, intelligent software architecture and design, automated testing and verification, code generation and repair, DevOps and deployment
automation, software maintenance and evolution, software reliability and security, and self-adaptive software systems.
Desired expertise includes software engineering, AI for SE, software architecture, testing and QA, DevOps, software security, software analytics, program analysis, and automated software engineering.
About ISC
ISC is a newly founded research center within the College of Engineering at Purdue University. The center aims to pioneer the next generation of intelligent software systems that are adaptive, efficient, trustworthy, and capable of continuous self-improvement.
ISC will serve as a cross-disciplinary hub connecting researchers in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing, and related areas to accelerate innovation in intelligent software technologies.
Responsibilities
• Conduct cutting-edge research aligned with ISC's strategic directions
• Publish in top-tier conferences and journals
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and industry partners
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives
• Help coordinate research activities and community-building efforts within ISC
• Assist with proposal development and collaborative projects
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
Compensation and Benefits
• Competitive salary: $50,000-$60,000/year plus benefits
• Full Purdue employee benefits package
• Professional travel support for conferences and collaborations
• Access to Purdue's advanced computing and research infrastructure
• Opportunities for collaboration across Purdue's West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses
Location
The position spans Purdue's two rapidly growing Indiana campuses:
West Lafayette, Indiana - Home to Purdue's flagship campus and internationally recognized engineering and computing programs.
Indianapolis, Indiana - A vibrant urban innovation hub with strong connections to industry, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology ecosystems.
Postdoctoral researchers will have workspace access at both locations and may choose one campus as their primary workplace while collaborating regularly with researchers at the other campus.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date
• Strong publication record or demonstrated research potential
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary environments
Application Materials
Interested applicants should submit:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Research statement
3. Representative publications
4. Contact information for 2-3 references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
For inquiries, please contact: Xipeng Shen (shen810@purdue.edu)

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