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Research Associate Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Research Associate 2

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate- Mid-West ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a ...

Clinical Research Associate 2

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate- Mid-West ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Midwest ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

Summary ROLE The Clinical Research Associate is an important member of the Alira Health Clinical team. CRAs are highly motivated and function independently to conduct site monitoring responsibilities ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Midwest ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

Associate, Client Research

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Our Associates are the driving force behind the transcripts on our platform! We're redefining how investment research is done by fostering a high-performance culture. By connecting with industry ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Associate information

See Naperville, IL salary details

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$32

$46

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Naperville, IL is $32.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $36.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research associate?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

What does a research associate do?

As a research associate, you conduct research and analysis as directed by a senior researcher or project manager. Researchers work in a number of fields, including medical science, the social sciences, natural sciences, finance, management, and academia. Your specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, but some features of your work are similar across industries. You typically do primary and secondary source research, organize and process data, analyze said data, and report on your findings to lead researchers or clinicians.

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

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a research associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

Research associates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools, and experience in data collection and analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Naperville, IL?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Naperville, IL are:

What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,585 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Pediatrics

University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$53K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Pediatrics
Hiring Department: Department of Pediatrics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042453
Posting Close Date: 09.12.2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $53,000 to $56,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
About the Department of Pediatrics
The Department of Pediatrics provides comprehensive family-centered health care to all children, multi-level professional education to students, physicians, and allied health care workers in all aspects of pediatrics, and a voice of advocacy for children of the state of Illinois. We are also actively engaged in the community to improve the health status of children through preventative and educational efforts, and to lead with basic and clinical research into childhood diseases to move the field of pediatrics forward. Our diverse medical teams bring the world's latest advancements to patient care, research, and teaching.
The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois Chicago is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The laboratory focuses on mucosal immunology, microbiome-immune interactions, and inflammatory diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with strong experimental skills and experience, as well as an interest in bioinformatics analysis.
The successful candidate will work on NIH-funded projects. The position will directly assist the Principal Investigator in advancing these projects by utilizing a range of technologies, animal models, and human samples.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Animal-related work, including breeding, genotyping, colony maintenance, and conducting animal models.
  • Perform cellular and molecular biology experiments, such as cell culture, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry.
  • Collect and prepare samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Participate in special projects as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
  • Additional Responsibilities
  • Manage general laboratory operations. Design and perform experiments based on established protocols, assist with data analysis and interpretation, prepare publication-quality figures, and contribute to manuscript preparation.
  • Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

  • Minimum Qualifications
    • PhD or MD/PhD in a related field.
    • Expertise in animal handling and mouse colony maintenance is essential.
    • Ability to independently perform routine laboratory work.
    Preferred Qualifications
    Experience with R or other skills for analyzing NGS datasets.
    The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
    The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.