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Nucleic Acid Jobs (NOW HIRING)

millenniumsoft

NC · On-site

The associate will be responsible for performing molecular assay work with a primary focus on nucleic acid quantitation and PCR, but also including DNA extraction from microorganisms and isothermal ...

millenniumsoft

NC · On-site

$33.25 - $41.75/hr

The associate will be responsible for performing molecular assay work primarily focused on nucleic acid quantitation and PCR, but also potentially including DNA extraction from microorganisms and ...

Talent Software Services

Scientist I

San Diego, CA

Scientist I (Contractor) Dept: Genetic Medicine Technology (gRED) Reporting to: Sr. Principal Scientist, Nucleic Acid Payload Engineering Working Model: Fully Onsite - 9360 Towne Centre Dr, San Diego ...

millenniumsoft

NC · On-site

The associate will be responsible for performing molecular assay work with a primary focus on nucleic acid quantitation and PCR, but also including DNA extraction from microorganisms and isothermal ...

millenniumsoft

NC · On-site

The associate will be responsible for performing molecular assay work with a primary focus on nucleic acid quantitation and PCR, but also including DNA extraction from microorganisms and isothermal ...

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Nucleic Acid information

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$66.5K

$110.5K

$164.5K

How much do nucleic acid jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for nucleic acid in the United States is $110,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nucleic Acid Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nucleic Acid Scientist, you need expertise in molecular biology, nucleic acid extraction, and quantitative analysis, typically backed by an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis, and bioinformatics tools is crucial in this role. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help ensure robust experimental design and data interpretation. These abilities are vital to advance research, ensure data accuracy, and contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery and biotechnology innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by scientists working with nucleic acids in a laboratory setting?

Scientists working with nucleic acids often encounter challenges such as sample degradation, contamination, and maintaining RNase- and DNase-free environments. Precise pipetting and careful handling are critical, as even minor errors can impact the integrity and yield of nucleic acids. Collaboration with team members for troubleshooting, sharing best practices, and optimizing protocols is essential for overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful experimental outcomes.

What are nucleic acid professionals and what do they do?

Nucleic acid professionals are scientists or technicians who specialize in the study and manipulation of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. Their work often involves extracting, analyzing, synthesizing, or modifying these molecules for research, diagnostics, or therapeutic purposes. They may work in fields like molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, or medical diagnostics, using techniques like PCR, sequencing, or gene editing. Their expertise is crucial for understanding genetic information, developing new medical treatments, and advancing scientific research.

What is the difference between Nucleic Acid vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectNucleic AcidMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsLaboratory training, molecular biology certificationsAdvanced degrees (BSc, MSc, PhD) in biology or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, healthcare settingsResearch institutions, universities, biotech firms
Industry UsageFocuses on nucleic acid extraction, analysis, and manipulationStudies genetic mechanisms, gene expression, and molecular processes

While Nucleic Acid specialists focus on working with DNA and RNA molecules, Molecular Biologists study broader genetic and molecular mechanisms. Both roles often overlap in research settings, but Nucleic Acid professionals typically specialize in laboratory techniques related to nucleic acids, whereas Molecular Biologists may engage in more comprehensive genetic research and analysis.

More about Nucleic Acid jobs
What cities are hiring for Nucleic Acid jobs? Cities with the most Nucleic Acid job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nucleic Acid jobs? The most popular types of Nucleic Acid jobs are:
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Nucleic Acid jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nucleic Acid job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,545 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Director, Nucleic Acid Delivery

Lila Sciences

Cambridge, MA

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Your Impact at LILA

The Director of Nucleic Acid Delivery will lead the discovery and engineering of next-generation delivery systems for nucleic acid cargo. This role will drive the design of targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) and other biological delivery modalities to enable precise delivery of nucleic acids across diverse tissues and cell types.
 
Leveraging the Lila Sciences AI platform and AI Science Factory, this leader will guide an interdisciplinary team of scientists in integrating AI-driven hypothesis generation, robotics-enabled experimentation, and biological insight to accelerate discovery of transformative delivery technologies. The role will focus on the biological targeting and functional delivery, while collaborating closely with formulation scientists responsible for lipid composition and formulation optimization.
 
This position is ideal for a creative scientific leader who believes that AI, automation, and integrated biological systems thinking will fundamentally reshape therapeutic discovery. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in nucleic acid delivery and a passion for building collaborative teams.

What You'll Be Building

  • Lead and build a high-performing team of senior scientists, scientists, and research associates focused on nucleic acid delivery technology development.
  • Drive the discovery and engineering of targeted lipid nanoparticle systems for delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.
  • Design and evaluate targeting ligands, conjugation strategies, and nanoparticle architectures that enable tissue- and cell-specific delivery.
  • Develop and implement innovative biological assays and screening platforms to evaluate delivery efficiency, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and functional nucleic acid expression or editing.
  • Leverage the Lila AI platform and AI Science Factory to accelerate design-build-test-learn cycles through AI-driven experimental design and robotics-enabled experimentation.
  • Collaborate closely with formulation scientists to integrate biological targeting strategies with lipid chemistry and nanoparticle formulation optimization.
  • Explore and evaluate next-generation delivery modalities that extend beyond traditional LNPs.
  • Establish strategic scientific direction for nucleic acid delivery research and ensure alignment with company-wide therapeutic goals.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor, mentoring team members and developing future leaders in the field.

What You'll Need to Succeed

  • PhD in molecular biology, bioengineering, chemical biology, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, or a related discipline with 8-10+ years of relevant industry or academic experience, or a BS/MS with 12-15+ years of experience in nucleic acid delivery or genetic medicine.
  • Demonstrated expertise in lipid nanoparticle technologies, nucleic acid delivery systems, or related genetic medicine platforms.
  • Strong track record of scientific leadership and mentorship, including managing multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Experience designing and executing in vitro and in vivo assays to measure delivery efficiency, biodistribution, and functional activity of nucleic acid therapeutics.
  • Deep understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying delivery, including cellular uptake, endosomal escape, tissue targeting, and intracellular trafficking.
  • Experience collaborating across disciplines including formulation chemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, and pharmacology.
  • Track record of impactful scientific contributions demonstrated through publications, patents, or therapeutic development programs.
  • Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate complex scientific ideas into actionable research programs.

Bonus Points For

  • Direct experience developing targeted LNP systems or ligand-directed nanoparticle delivery technologies.
  • Expertise in RNA therapeutics, gene editing systems (e.g., CRISPR/Cas), siRNA, mRNA, or DNA therapeutics.
  • Experience integrating AI-driven discovery tools, high-throughput experimentation, or automated laboratory platforms into biological research.
  • Experience working in highly collaborative environments spanning biology, chemistry, computational science, and engineering.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate early discovery concepts into therapeutically relevant delivery platforms.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for pushing the boundaries of AI-enabled scientific discovery.

Apply