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Nucleic Acid Jobs (NOW HIRING)

millenniumsoft

NC · On-site

The associate will be responsible for performing molecular assay work primarily focused on isothermal nucleic acid amplification. * The associate will be expected to analyze and interpret results to ...

NYU Langone Health

Research Technician

Manhattan, NY

$19.75 - $27.25/hr

This role requires solid expertise in handling, processing, and storing human tissue and blood samples; nucleic acid extraction; and basic molecular biology techniques. The Research Technician will ...

NYULMC

Research Technician

New York, NY · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

This role requires solid expertise in handling, processing, and storing human tissue and blood samples; nucleic acid extraction; and basic molecular biology techniques. The Research Technician will ...

Lancesoft

Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40.54 - $65/hr

Assess nucleic acid expression through molecular methods like qPCR, reporter assays and Western blotting. Maintenance of detailed electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and preparation of summary ...

Natera

Staff Scientist, R&D (Women's Health)

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$157.30K - $196.60K/yr

Independently leads projects to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests; including planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, and optimization * Responsible for ...

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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:
What states have the most Nucleic Acid jobs? States with the most job openings for Nucleic Acid jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nucleic Acid jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nucleic Acid jobs are:
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.

Staff Scientist, R&D (Women's Health)

Natera

San Carlos, CA

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Natera rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

We are looking for an inquisitive and creative Staff Scientist to initiate, direct, and execute pre-product scientific research with an emphasis in Women's Health. This Staff Scientist will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problem solving. The ideal candidate will have broad knowledge of state-of-the-art molecular biology principles, with hands-on experience in next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing, nucleic acid technologies, multiomics, molecular diagnostics development, and/or proteomics.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Contributes substantially and intellectually to research and development

  • Independently leads projects to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests; including planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, and optimization

  • Responsible for executing projects as per associated timelines and deliverables

  • Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work

  • Develops plans, generates and advances new ideas

  • Performs basic data analysis, including statistics

  • Independently designs and executes moderate to high complexity experiments

  • Coordinates the execution and analysis of effective experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams

  • Ability to work cross-functionally with statistics, bioinformatics, product development, and project management teams

  • Documents research progress under a Quality Management System

  • May manage Research Associates

  • May work with partners and outside collaborators

  • Communicates progress directly with colleagues and senior management

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ph.D. in molecular biology or closely related field

  • Minimum of 8 years of industry experience or 2 years of post-doctoral research + 6 years of industry experience 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Must have experience with designing, executing, and analyzing data on next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology experiments 

  • Experience developing tests in NIPT and/or liquid biopsy highly desirable

  • Experience with nucleic acid technologies relating to PCR, multiplex PCR, qPCR, and digital droplet PCR.

  • Multiomics, epigenetic/methylation, target enrichment, cfDNA/RNA experience is a plus.

  • Experience in women's health molecular diagnostics is highly desirable.

  • Track record of originating, developing and productizing novel nucleic acid techniques and tests.

  • Strong research skills with a history of innovation.

  • Proven success in managing collaborative and individual projects and communicating externally.

  • Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Demonstrated experience in managing and providing basic level of leadership to research associates and junior scientists.

  • Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.

  • Adept with Excel and basic statistical analysis.

  • Bioinformatic capabilities, programming (e.g. PERL, python) and databases experience (SQL) are a plus.

  • Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs.

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