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Process Development Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Lead process development and optimization initiatives for cable assembly and termination ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical ...

Lead process development and optimization initiatives for cable assembly and termination ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical ...

Lead process development and optimization initiatives for cable assembly and termination ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical ...

Lead process development and optimization initiatives for cable assembly and termination ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical ...

Lead process development and optimization initiatives for cable assembly and termination ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical ...

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Process Development Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$19

$36

$58

How much do process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development scientist in Indiana is $36.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.97 and $43.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Process Development Scientists when scaling up from lab experiments to full production?

Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from the laboratory to large-scale production. These can include maintaining product quality and consistency, optimizing yields, and ensuring that processes are cost-effective at scale. Addressing equipment differences, process variability, and regulatory compliance are also common hurdles. Collaboration with engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance professionals is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and achieve scalable, robust processes.

Is 40 too late to become a scientist?

Becoming a process development scientist or similar scientific roles is possible at age 40 or older, as many employers value experience, skills, and relevant education over age. Professionals often pursue advanced degrees or certifications in fields like chemistry, biology, or engineering, which can enhance their qualifications regardless of age.

What is the highest paid type of scientist?

Among scientists, petroleum engineers and data scientists tend to have the highest average salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Process Development Scientists typically earn competitive salaries, but they are generally not at the top compared to specialized fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or data science roles in tech companies.

How much does a process scientist make?

A process development scientist typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced scientists with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and bonuses, especially in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

What is a Process Development Scientist?

A Process Development Scientist is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes processes for manufacturing products, typically in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or chemicals. Their work involves scaling up laboratory procedures to full production, improving efficiency, ensuring quality, and meeting regulatory standards. They collaborate with research, engineering, and manufacturing teams to implement new processes or refine existing ones. Process Development Scientists play a critical role in bringing new products from the research phase to commercial production while maintaining safety and compliance.

What does a process development scientist do?

A process development scientist designs, optimizes, and scales up manufacturing processes for products such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure processes meet quality and regulatory standards, often using tools like statistical software and laboratory equipment.

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

To thrive as a Process Development Scientist, you need a background in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, supported by at least a bachelor’s (often master’s or PhD) degree and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry), process modeling software, and relevant regulatory standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help drive innovation and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the efficient development and scale-up of robust, safe, and cost-effective processes in pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemical manufacturing environments.
Infographic showing various Process Development Scientist job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,524 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Director Process Chemistry SMDD

Director Process Chemistry SMDD

Eli Lilly and Company

Indianapolis, IN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.


The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) team is involved in key activities for the development of synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from pre-clinical phases through commercialization of drug substances and drug products. Our chemists, engineers, and scientists develop key technical and business solutions across the portfolio using their deep technical expertise to accelerate testing of the clinical hypothesis and overall drug development. SMDD delivers on these responsibilities by recognizing diverse talent and cultures are vital to bring the next generation of life changing medicines to patients.

Position Summary:

Our team is looking for experienced and creative individuals to lead synthetic molecule route commercialization as well as process optimization and unit operation definition of drug candidates to support clinical trials, product commercialization, and regulatory submissions. The position presents an opportunity to lead dynamic teams comprised of process chemists, analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and engineers. Additionally, candidates will provide oversight for external R&D, tech transfer, and campaign execution.

Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate a deep expertise and demonstrated capability with utilization of modern synthetic organic and process chemistry techniques to address key CMC challenges
  • Lead and/or supervise the design and development of new synthetic routes for the manufacture of API using the most modern technologies
  • Exhibit a high learning agility with the ability to understand and exploit new scientific concepts and methods across multiple fields; be able to apply these takeaways to a portfolio of small molecule, oligonucleotide, and synthetic peptide, and other emerging synthetic modalities
  • Possess solid understanding in unit operation design, process modeling, process equipment selection, and scale-up methodologies; build and apply groundbreaking technology and novel platforms within a time constrained environment
  • Lead a cross-disciplinary team to evaluate and refine new manufacturing routes, manufacturing technologies, and practices to deliver an exciting portfolio
  • Provide technical leadership in the scale-up and demonstration of new chemical processes in development and commercial scale equipment; collaborate in technology transfer activities to CRO/CMO organizations and internal Lilly manufacturing nodes to ensure processes are technically robust, well developed and characterized, and safe
  • Design experimental laboratory plans in support of route and process design, definition, optimization, and technology transfer objectives.
  • Ability to integrate process (and property design) data based on a fundamental understanding of the underlying physical processes
  • Apply advancements in technology (PAT) and modeling platforms to understand and lead experimental protocols. Leverage high throughput experimental platforms to accelerate reaction discovery.
  • Plan and lead short term and long-term development activities; develop and/or review technical agendas and timelines for project work; advise resource allocation to accomplish projects according to plans, communicate progress and propose changes in timeline, objectives, or direction.
  • Collaborate across internal CMC networks (Drug Product Delivery, Project Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Regulatory) to implement and deliver material and information for clinical trials and regulatory submissions.
  • Possess deep understanding of the external global regulatory climate and emerging requirements; ability to address key CMC regulatory questions that enable clinical studies and support marketing authorization applications
  • Embrace diversity in thoughts, background, and experiences through supervision, mentoring, and development of a diverse scientific staff to deliver solutions. Encourage team members to take initiative and accountability to achieve goals and draw out and encourage others to share knowledge on challenging technical issues
  • Actively collaborate and exhibit influence in the external scientific environment and demonstrates an ability to recognize and integrate external innovation across the Lilly synthetic portfolio

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in organic chemistry, or a related field with 10+ years of pharmaceutical process development experience OR MS in Organic Chemistry or related field with 15+ years' experience.

Additional Skills/Preferences:

  • Experience within the pharmaceutical sector is preferred; however, other experience may meet expectations. Prior experience in active ingredient development and associated formulated product is acceptable. Relevant industrial sectors would include agrochemicals, nutraceuticals, specialty chemicals, and personal care products. Experience with developing chemical processes from mid-development cycle (proof of concept) to product commercialization.
  • Experience with technical transfer of processes into manufacturing operations
  • Experience with authoring regulatory submissions and responding to regulatory questions
  • Established external reputation and strong publication record
  • Knowledge and experience with management of a technical project and ability to build ideas for future work plans
  • Experience with modern analytical techniques and process analytical technologies (PAT)
  • Experience with modeling and simulation tools, data analytics, and predictive analytics
  • Ability to transform ideas into marketable products and processes
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities, good communication skills and a sustained tendency for collaboration
  • Ability to prioritize multiple activities and handle ambiguity
  • Ability to influence others to promote a positive work environment

Additional Information:

  • Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises.
  • Travel: 0 to 10%
  • Position Location: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N)

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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).


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.

#WeAreLilly


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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