1

Phd Materials Science Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

WEST LAFAYETTE Job Summary Lecturer Position in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences The ... and a PhD program. The department includes 18 tenure track faculty and 13 clinical faculty who ...

Senior Analytical Chemist

Fishers, IN · On-site

$113K - $132K/yr

PhD Field of Study Preferred: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field Required Work Experience: 10+ years of analytical experience Travel Requirements: N/A Additional ...

Showing results 41-60

Phd Materials Science information

See Indiana salary details

$50.4K

$118K

$164.6K

How much do phd materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd materials science in Indiana is $117,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $158,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD holders in materials science when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

PhD holders in Materials Science may encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, learning to prioritize commercially viable outcomes over purely theoretical research, and collaborating with cross-functional teams from engineering, manufacturing, and business. Industry roles often require clear communication of complex findings to non-specialists and adjusting to structured project management systems. However, these challenges also offer opportunities for professional growth, broader impact, and the chance to see research translated into real-world products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in materials science?

To thrive as a PhD in Materials Science, you need advanced knowledge in physics, chemistry, and engineering principles, along with a doctoral degree in the field. Expertise in analytical techniques (like SEM, TEM, XRD), materials characterization tools, and proficiency in scientific programming or data analysis software are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective scientific communication help researchers excel and drive innovation. These skills enable the development of new materials and technologies, essential for progress across industries such as electronics, energy, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between Phd Materials Science vs Materials Engineer?

AspectPhd Materials ScienceMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Materials Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsManufacturing, product development, industry labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, advanced R&DManufacturers, aerospace, automotive, electronics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic vs industry roles, research focusPractical application, product development, industry roles

The main difference between Phd Materials Science and Materials Engineer lies in their focus and work environment. PhD holders typically engage in research, academia, and advanced R&D, while Materials Engineers focus on applying materials knowledge in manufacturing and product development within industry settings.

What is a PhD in materials science?

A PhD in Materials Science is an advanced research degree focused on the study of the properties, structure, performance, and applications of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Students in this program conduct original research to develop new materials or improve existing ones for use in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, energy, and healthcare. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or industry, where they contribute to innovations in technology and manufacturing.
What are popular job titles related to Phd Materials Science jobs in Indiana? For Phd Materials Science jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Phd Materials Science jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Phd Materials Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Materials Science job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $117,968 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist - Product Development

Elanco

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Your Role:

As aSenior Scientist in the Transitional and Early Development team, you will be a strategic and technical leader focused on the critical transition from early research to development. In this role, you will lead early-formulation work toidentifyoptimalformulations for physical stability of lead molecules in support of pre-clinical study material generation.

In this laboratory-based leadership role, you will drive the biophysical characterization and formulation selection process for diverse biopharmaceutical modalities, including monoclonal antibodies and other complex biologics. You willbe responsible forleading a small characterization team that performs the biophysical and functional assays used to evaluate and de-risk lead candidates before they enter full development as well as designing and conducting the formulation selection studies.

Your Responsibilities

  • Strategic Pre-Formulation:Lead formulation programs for lead molecules, applying deepexpertisein protein chemistry and thermodynamics toidentifyformulations for each lead with superior solubility, stability, and freeze-thaw potential.

  • Team Leadership:Direct and mentor a small characterization team;establishrobust analytical workflows and acceptance criteria for biophysical and functional assays.

  • Risk Mitigation:Identifyand mitigate formulation-related risks such as aggregation, precipitation, and viscosity at high concentrations usingfirst-principlesunderstanding of solution behavior.

  • Technical Innovation:Evaluate and implement novel formulation technologies and high-throughput screening platforms to accelerate the lead selection process.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration:Serve as the technical formulation lead on concurrent project teams, interfacing with Discovery Research, Process Development, Analytical Development, and Formulation Development.

  • Data Excellence:Maintainexemplary ELN documentation, author technical reports, and provide data-driven recommendations to enable the successful transition of molecules into the development pipeline.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

Education:

  • PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, ora relatedscientific discipline.

Experience:

  • 3+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience with a specific focus on protein formulation and characterization.

  • Proven experience leading formulation projects from concept through execution.

Technical Skills:

  • Deepexpertisein protein chemistry, physical biochemistry, and colloidal science.

  • Hands-on mastery of protein characterization techniques (e.g., DLS/Zetasizer, DSC, DSF, SEC, and spectroscopy).

  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with evolving priorities.

  • Excellent scientific communication skills anda strong foundationin data integrity practices.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Formulation Platforms:Experience developing advanced or high-concentration formulation platforms for monoclonal antibodies.

  • Process Insight:Understanding ofhow early formulation choicesimpactfuture unit operations like lyophilization or technology transfer.

  • Digital Tools:Experience using Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical analysis (e.g., JMP) tooptimizeformulation behavior.

  • Leadership Track Record:Experience mentoring junior scientists and building analytical capabilities within a research or development setting.

Don'tmeet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to applytojobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role butdon'tnecessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages

  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against jobrelated criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.


What Elanco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom