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Nucleic Acid Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Nucleic Acid information

See Indiana salary details

$63.3K

$105.2K

$156.5K

How much do nucleic acid jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for nucleic acid in Indiana is $105,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $118,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nucleic acid scientist?

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 does a nucleic acid professional 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nucleic Acid jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Nucleic Acid jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Nucleic Acid jobs in Indiana? For Nucleic Acid jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Nucleic Acid job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,190 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Scientific Director, Process Chemistry - Oligonucleotides

Eli Lilly and Company

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
Overview:
At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Organization and Position Summary:
The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization is responsible for the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products from the pre-clinical phase through commercialization. Our scientists and engineers develop innovative technical solutions to advance an existing portfolio that includes small molecules, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, and other emerging therapeutic modalities to help bring the next generation of life-changing medicines to patients.
Our SMDD team is looking for experienced and creative candidates with experience in chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) of oligonucleotides to participate in the development of chemistry in support of scalable and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. This technical role will support emerging synthetic needs across the rapidly evolving Lilly Genetic Medicines (LGM) portfolio. The scientist will collaborate with a growing team comprising chemists, analysts, and engineers focused on the development and optimization of existing methods and exploration of novel synthetic approaches to oligonucleotides and their conjugates. The position presents an opportunity to lead CMC activities to support clinical trials, product commercialization, and regulatory submissions of oligonucleotide therapeutics. Developing and working with both internal manufacturing (Lilly Medicine Foundry) and external contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to support oligonucleotide synthesis, tech transfer, and campaign execution will be important aspects of this role.
Responsibilities:
Top candidates for this position will be expected to:
  • Bring extensive oligonucleotide CMC expertise to SMDD and grow internal capability through coaching, mentorship, and technical leadership across a diverse portfolio - complex single strands, siRNA, and oligonucleotide conjugates (AOC and PRC).
  • Apply modern synthetic organic and nucleic acid chemistry to challenge existing methods, define new manufacturing technologies, and address key CMC challenges across the LGM portfolio.
  • Develop and apply impurity control strategies aligned with the current global regulatory climate; address CMC regulatory questions enabling clinical studies and marketing authorization applications. Prior experience in validation activities preferred.
  • Provide technical leadership across route design, process development, equipment selection, and scale-up - from laboratory plans through demonstration on development- and commercial-scale equipment, partnering with internal manufacturing (Lilly Medicine Foundry) and external CMOs to deliver robust processes for clinical and commercial supply.
  • Demonstrate strong skills with automated reactor platforms and purification technologies and apply them across the oligonucleotide portfolio.
  • Collaborate across internal CMC networks (Drug Product Delivery, Project Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Regulatory) to deliver materials and documentation for clinical trials and regulatory submissions.
  • Identify and integrate external chemistry innovations to complement internal capabilities; represent Lilly externally through presentations at symposia and consortia and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Contribute novel chemical design and mechanism-based problem solving (e.g., total synthesis, methodology development, oligonucleotide synthesis), reflected in a strong peer-reviewed publication record.
  • Lead through ambiguity and change; encourage initiative, accountability, and diverse perspectives across the team.

Basic Qualifications:
  • PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotides, solid-phase synthesis, CMC); or
  • MS in a relevant scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotides, solid-phase synthesis, CMC).
  • Experience within the pharmaceutical sector: active ingredient development and associated formulated products; developing chemical processes from mid-development (proof of concept) through commercialization.
  • Experience in development and CMC including quality and regulatory interactions.
  • Experience with tech transfer of processes into manufacturing operations.

Additional Preferences:
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
  • Demonstrated initiative and appropriate risk-taking.
  • Demonstrated technical proficiency and ability to create ideas for future work plans.
  • Strong technical skills that deliver business value.
  • Knowledge and experience with management of a technical project.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities, especially in a team environment.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity.
  • Ability to influence others to promote a positive work environment.
  • Demonstrated success in persuasion, influence, and negotiation.

Additional Information:
Physical Demands/Travel:
  • Position Local: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N)
  • The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab environment
  • Travel: 0 to 10%

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Work Environment:
This position's work environment is in a laboratory environment.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$148,500 - $257,400
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876