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Principal Investigator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Obtain informed consent from study participants after appropriate training and delegation by the Principal Investigator. * Collect participant medical history and current medication information.

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Principal Investigator information

See Indiana salary details

$18.6K

$135.8K

$247.9K

How much do principal investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal investigator in Indiana is $135,758.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $190,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal investigator?

A principal investigator, or PI, is the primary representative of an organization that requests a grant. As a principal investigator, you are responsible for the preparation and completion of the research or project being funded by the grant. Your primary goal is to provide sufficient justification for the proposal or grant request to the funding entities. Other job duties include developing research strategies to gather data, analyzing and writing up a summary of the results of the research, and ensuring the project complies with all applicable laws and regulations. A PI may be required to present the results of the study to faculty, peers, and grant approvers.

What is a principal investigator?

A Principal Investigator (PI) is the lead researcher responsible for the design, conduct, and management of a research project, typically within an academic or scientific setting. The PI oversees all aspects of the project, including securing funding, ensuring compliance with regulations, supervising research staff, and reporting results. They are ultimately accountable for the integrity and progress of the research, as well as the safety of any human or animal subjects involved. The PI is usually a senior scientist or faculty member with expertise in the project's subject area.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Investigator, you need advanced expertise in a scientific discipline, a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent), and a proven research track record. Familiarity with grant management systems, laboratory management tools, and regulatory compliance certifications (like Good Clinical Practice) is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills set outstanding Principal Investigators apart. These competencies are vital for designing innovative research, securing funding, leading teams, and ensuring ethical, high-impact study outcomes.

What are some common challenges principal investigators face when managing research teams?

Principal Investigators often encounter challenges related to balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on research and mentorship. Managing a diverse team with varying expertise, ensuring clear communication, and securing consistent funding can be demanding. PIs are also responsible for fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and maintaining compliance with institutional and funding agency regulations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and adaptability.

What is the difference between Principal Investigator vs Research Scientist?

AspectPrincipal InvestigatorResearch Scientist
Required credentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or MD), research experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized research skills
Work environmentLeads research projects, manages teams, secures fundingConducts experiments, analyzes data, supports research projects
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, industry R&D labs, biotech companies

The main difference between a Principal Investigator and a Research Scientist lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Principal Investigator typically leads research projects, manages teams, and secures funding, while the Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and supporting research activities. Both roles require advanced research credentials, but the PI holds a leadership position overseeing the entire project.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Investigator jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Principal Investigator jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Investigator jobs in Indiana?

For Principal Investigator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Principal Investigator jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Principal Investigator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Investigator jobs in IN?

For Principal Investigator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Investigator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,758 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Ophthalmology Clinical Research Sub-Investigator - Regeneron - Indianapolis, IN

Fusion HealthCare Staffing

Indianapolis, IN

$44K - $44K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Start Date: August 2026 onboarding; study launches October 1, 2026

Assignment Length: Approximately 6 months

Schedule: Friday availability required

Setting: Outpatient clinical research

Call: No call responsibilities

Patient Population: Participants enrolled in a pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trial

Required Skills: Patient evaluations, study follow-up visits, protocol compliance, clinical documentation, and collaboration with research staff

Board Status: Board Certified or Board Eligible in Ophthalmology

Licensure: Active Indiana medical license required

Research Experience: Not required

Training: Paid onboarding, credentialing, and Sub-Investigator training provided

Support: Work directly with an experienced Principal Investigator and dedicated clinical research team