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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Appointee

Bloomington, IN ยท On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

... 6. Assist in preparing completed research reports or analyses on each project phase. 7. Excellence in written and oral communication skills. 8. Direct or participate in the tabulation and ...

Showing results 21-40

Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$40.4K

$81.8K

$110.9K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Indiana is $81,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $110,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral research assistant?

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant is a researcher who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD) and is engaged in further academic or scientific research. Their primary role is to conduct independent or collaborative research projects, often under the supervision of senior academics or principal investigators. Postdoctoral Research Assistants contribute to publications, grant writing, and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students. This position is typically temporary and is designed to provide additional training and experience before transitioning to more permanent academic or research roles.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong analytical and experimental skills, and a solid record of academic research. Familiarity with domain-specific laboratory techniques, data analysis software like MATLAB or R, and experience with academic publishing are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively help you stand out. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, disseminating findings, and contributing effectively to scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral research assistants when transitioning to independent research roles?

One common challenge for Postdoctoral Research Assistants is balancing the demands of supporting their supervisor's projects while developing their own independent research ideas. Navigating grant applications, building a publication record, and establishing professional networks can also be daunting. Additionally, adapting to new institutional cultures and expectations, especially when moving between universities or countries, requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating with colleagues can help ease this transition and set the stage for a successful independent research career.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Assistant vs Research Fellow?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssistantResearch Fellow
Required credentialsPhD or equivalentPhD or equivalent, often with additional experience
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, academic settingsResearch projects, academic institutions, sometimes independent
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations, sometimes industry
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesAdvanced research roles, independent research

The main difference between a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and a Research Fellow lies in experience level and independence. Postdoctoral Research Assistants typically work under supervision on specific projects, while Research Fellows often have more independence and may lead their own research. Both roles require a PhD and are common in academic and research settings.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,796 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Photo Chemistry

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN โ€ข On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Details
Title
Postdoctoral Fellow - Photo Chemistry
Appointment Status
Non-Tenure Track
Department
IU Bloomington Chemistry
Location
Bloomington
Position Summary
The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts + Sciences at Indiana University, consists of a well-rounded research community with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry.
The Zaleski Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position. The position involves the design and synthesis of hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts (see here for recent work: ACS Appl. Bio. Mater.https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.6c00169; Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 255; ACS Catal. 2020, 10, 5, 3349-3359, Accts. Chem. Res. 2019, 52, 1957. The desired start date is July 1, 2026, although this is flexible in order to accommodate the needs of outstanding candidates.
The successful applicant will use a deep understanding of synthetic and photochemical transformations including laser characterization methods. Motivated applicants with a Ph.D. in any area of chemistry will be considered. A candidate with a strong background in catalyst synthesis and materials design is ideally suited for the project. We seek to employ someone with demonstrable experience materials characterization, photochemistry and spectroscopy.
The Zaleski Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role within our growing team and will emerge with a skill set that is equally relevant to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback to ensure progress is made toward their career goals, whatever those may be. Trainees are also afforded the scheduling flexibility needed to maintain an appropriate work life balance and a safe laboratory environment.
Responsibilities:
1. Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management and coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
2. Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.
3. Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
4. Assist in setting up a new research laboratory at IU (e.g. setting up Schlenk lines, ordering equipment etc.)
5. Contribute ideas for new research projects.
6. Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
7. Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
8. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
9. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
10. Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.
Basic Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Chemistry at time of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with organometallic synthesis and relevant analytical techniques (NMR, SXRD, mass-spectrometry etc.) is essential. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding of the chemistry of the main group elements.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Prof. Jeff Zaleski, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, zaleski@indiana.edu.
Additional Qualifications
Salary and Rank
$50,000/Postdoctoral Fellow
Special Instructions
The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12-month extension will be available based on performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package will be offered.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, 5-page maximum research proposal, and contact information for three references to http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33331. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
"Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
For Best Consideration Date
06/10/2026
Expected Start Date
07/01/2026
Posting Number
IU-101573-2026