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Entry Level Molecular Biologist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Molecular Biologist information

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$43.8K

$77.7K

$125.1K

How much do entry level molecular biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level molecular biologist in Indiana is $77,747.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level molecular biologist do?

As an entry-level molecular biologist, your duties include a range of lab tasks and analytical responsibilities related to the research of cells and molecules. You contribute to experiment design, set-up and execute the experiments, analyze the collected data, and report your findings to other members of the lab. You may co-author papers with the principal investigator or head of the lab and attend conferences or other professional events to present findings. Molecular biologists work in numerous fields, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, medicine, and genetics.

What is the difference between Entry Level Molecular Biologist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level Molecular BiologistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, or related field; laboratory skillsBachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related field; technical lab skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academic institutionsClinical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch and development, biotech, pharmaceuticalsHealthcare, diagnostics, industrial testing

Entry Level Molecular Biologists and Laboratory Technicians often share educational backgrounds and work in laboratory settings. However, molecular biologists focus more on research, experiments, and data analysis related to molecular processes, while laboratory technicians typically perform routine testing and sample processing. Both roles are essential in scientific and healthcare industries, but molecular biologists usually engage in more complex research tasks.

What types of projects and laboratory techniques can an entry level molecular biologist expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level molecular biologist, you will typically assist with ongoing research projects involving DNA, RNA, or protein analysis. Common laboratory techniques you may use include PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction, and sequencing preparation. You'll likely work closely with senior scientists and technicians, learning to maintain meticulous lab notes and adhere to safety protocols. Over time, you'll gain more independence and may contribute to experimental design or data analysis, building a strong foundation for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level molecular biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Molecular Biologist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and genetics, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and experience using lab information management systems (LIMS) are commonly expected. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for producing accurate experimental results, maintaining lab safety, and contributing effectively to research projects.
More about Entry Level Molecular Biologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Molecular Biologist jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Molecular Biologist jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Molecular Biologist jobs in Indiana? For Entry Level Molecular Biologist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Molecular Biologist jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Molecular Biologist jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Molecular Biologist jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Entry Level Molecular Biologist job openings:
Entry Level Molecular Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Molecular Biologist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,747 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Scientist - Protein Production

Helix Biostructures

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Scientist Protein Production

Helix BioStructures, LLC (HBS) is a contract research organization (CRO) based in Indianapolis, Indiana, providing early drug discovery services to the biopharmaceutical industry. HBS maintains a full suite of services that encompass chemical & structural analysis, protein production, computational modeling, and design. HBSs core and most popular services are structural biology imaging techniques: X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM. HBS was founded in 2018 and has grown considerably. We are looking to add a Scientist focused on protein production to join our Indianapolis-based team.


Main Responsibilities


This scientist will support our protein production pipeline by expressing and purifying recombinant proteins in bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems; performing biophysical characterization to assess sample quality and stability; developing and optimizing expression and purification protocols; interfacing with our clients; and writing technical project reports. The scientist will also contribute to improving expression and purification methods to accelerate research processes.

Highly desirable hands-on experiences include:

(a) Experience in recombinant protein expression and purification across bacterial, insect, and mammalian cell lines.

(b) Use of biophysical and analytical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western Blot, TSA, DLS, Mass Spectrometry, and others) to assess protein quality, purity, and stability.

This scientist will employ a range of experimental methods (biochemical, biophysical, and/or computational) to support our clients structure-based drug discovery, antibody discovery, and/or protein engineering. Accordingly, proficiency in recombinant protein expression and purification and a passion for generating high-quality, well-characterized protein reagents are essential. Any structural biology experience (X-ray crystallography or Cryo-EM) is a plus, but is not required for this role. The successful candidate will be a strong technical contributor who can execute reliably at the bench and collaborate with colleagues on multiple projects in parallel. This role is open to candidates ranging from entry-level to experienced scientists; the level of hire, scope, and degree of independence will be determined by the candidates experience and qualifications, with the opportunity to help drive discovery projects from inception through early development.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Express and purify proteins to target quality and yield within industrial timeframes.
  • Document experimental data and communicate research priorities, progress, and results with clients/project teams.
  • Provide technical and scientific input to project teams, with the scope of guidance to other members of the Protein Sciences group, scaling with seniority and experience.
  • The candidate will be responsible for timely updates on project statuses, reporting to their supervisor informally and to Helixs customers by formal report writing and oral presentations.

Required Qualifications

This position is open to candidates ranging from entry-level to experienced scientists. The qualifications below represent the minimum requirements for the role; the final level of hire will be determined based on the candidates experience and qualifications.


  • D. in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, protein engineering, or a related field; OR a Masters degree with 25 years of relevant industrial experience; OR a Bachelors degree with 510 years of relevant industrial experience.
  • Demonstrated competency in recombinant protein expression and purification using bacterial, insect, and mammalian cell lines; hands-on experience across all three systems is strongly preferred.
  • Ability to generate and characterize milligram to gram quantities of high-quality protein reagents for downstream studies.
  • Experience with standard analytical and biophysical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western Blot, TSA, DLS, Mass Spectrometry, and others) for assessing protein quality, purity, and stability during purification.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.


Additional qualifications


  • Hands-on experience in engineering protein constructs and optimizing the production of protein targets for structural and functional studies.
  • Experience in structural biology is a plus but not required, including protein X-ray crystallography (sample assessment, crystallization, optimization, data collection, and structure determination/refinement) and familiarity with software such as Phenix, CCP4, Coot, and PyMOL.
  • Experience with protein engineering and/or design approaches.
  • Analysis, design, and/or computational approaches to investigate ligand-protein complexes.
  • Experience with Cryo-EM is a plus, especially grid vitrification and screening.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Willingness to tackle challenging technical problems.

Location



This position is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and does NOT offer a hybrid option. Interaction with external service vendors is also expected. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; Helix BioStructures does NOT provide visa sponsorship for this position.


Physical Requirements

Able to lift 30 lb objects with dimensions 30 inches in height and 18 inches in width.

Able to visualize microscopic objects under microscopes.

Non-standard work schedule, travel, and lab safety


Able to adhere to safe work practices and perform lab work with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as but not limited to safety goggles, facial mask, gloves, lab coat/ protective gowning, and closed-toe shoes. Able to work at flexible hours occasionally when performing time-sensitive experiments.

Other job details

  • Eligible for Relocation Package
  • Competitive Salary + annual bonus
  • Retirement (matching 401K)
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Company Apple Computer

Helix BioStructures, LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and we embrace the increasingly diverse world around us. Helix BioStructures, LLC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status.