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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

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$40.4K

$81.8K

$110.9K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate 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 associate?

A Postdoctoral Research Associate, often called a postdoc, is a person who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in scholarly research as part of a temporary position, usually at a university or research institution. The role is designed to deepen their expertise in a specific field, contribute to research projects, publish academic papers, and develop skills for future independent research or academic positions. Postdocs typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator (PI) and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students.

What is a postdoctoral research associate?

Postdoctoral research associates are professionals who have completed their doctorate and are continuing their research to gain hands-on experience before starting their academic careers. Their duties usually include researching with the support of a small team and writing papers for academic journals. Depending on the field of research, a postdoctoral research associate may also have other responsibilities. These positions are typically short-term.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in a relevant field, strong research methodology skills, and a track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, or programming languages is often required, depending on the research area. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective written and verbal communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to scientific advancement, and securing future academic or industry positions.

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

Postdoctoral Research Associates often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple research projects, securing independent funding, and developing a unique research identity separate from their advisor. Navigating the transition also involves building professional networks and gaining experience in grant writing, mentoring, and publishing as a lead author. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating across disciplines can help ease these challenges and support a successful move to an independent research career.

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

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsIndustry, corporate R&D, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, research institutesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma, tech firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Research Associates typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but may work in industry settings with broader responsibilities, including product development and applied research. The main difference lies in the work environment and career stage, with Postdoctoral Research Associates usually in early career research roles and Research Scientists in more advanced, industry-focused positions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,796 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Post Doc Research Associate

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Purdue University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Purdue University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

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Job description

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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