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Nucleic Acid Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 31, 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.

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:
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.

Scientist, LNP Process and Development

Serif Biomedicines, Inc.

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company description
Serif Biomedicines is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases. It was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies.
Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Tx, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.
The role
We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to support the development and scale-up of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for nucleic acid delivery. This role will focus on process optimization and scale-up of targeted LNPs encapsulating modified DNA and cofactor mRNA, while also contributing to research efforts aimed at improving LNP design and performance.
This is an ideal opportunity for a scientist with a strong background in process development who is interested in expanding into formulation development and early-stage R&D, including formulation screening and optimization of next-generation LNP systems.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively within cross-functional teams to advance LNP platform capabilities and support the development of scalable and robust nucleic acid delivery systems.
Key responsibilities
  • Support process development and optimization activities for LNP formulation and scale-up, including mixing parameters, encapsulation efficiency, and reproducibility.
  • Design and execute experiments to improve the performance and manufacturability of LNPs encapsulating modified DNA and mRNA.
  • Collaborate with internal and external teams to support characterization and evaluation of LNP formulations.
  • Assist with technology transfer and scale-up activities, including coordination with external partners or internal manufacturing teams.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain accurate documentation, and communicate findings to project teams.
  • Stay current with advancements in LNP technologies and nucleic acid delivery approaches.

Professional experience and qualifications
  • PhD. in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; M.S. with 8+ years of experience; or Bachelor with 10+ years of experience.
  • Strong background in process development, scale-up, or manufacturing of nanoparticle or LNP-based systems.
  • Experience working with nucleic acid formulations (e.g., mRNA, DNA) is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with T mixing, or similar, formulation scale-up, and characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, encapsulation assays).
  • Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and solve complex technical problems.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

What We Offer
  • Opportunity to work at the forefront of LNP formulation innovation
  • Collaborative, science-driven culture with high impact research
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING
Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.
Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE Change the World list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company annual list of the World Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/xLXBCqxk3LTk9pwcZf3CEkjif?domain=flagshippioneering.com.
At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $143,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Serif Biomedicines currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Serif Biomedicines's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Serif Biomedicines, Inc., a Flagship Pioneering portfolio company, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.