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Protein Science Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Biologist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$65K - $169K/yr

This role is a part of a multi-disciplinary group of scientists collaborating on the generation of high-quality recombinant protein and DNA reagents, which are critical for global Lilly drug ...

Biologist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$65K - $169K/yr

This role is a part of a multi-disciplinary group of scientists collaborating on the generation of high-quality recombinant protein and DNA reagents, which are critical for global Lilly drug ...

Showing results 21-40

Protein Science information

See Indiana salary details

$23.3K

$46K

$75.2K

How much do protein science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein science in Indiana is $46,047.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $49,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protein science professional?

A Protein Science job involves studying the structure, function, and engineering of proteins for applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and research. Professionals in this field use techniques like protein purification, crystallography, and computational modeling to understand protein behavior. They may work in drug discovery, enzyme engineering, or structural biology. Careers in protein science are found in academic research, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical industries, contributing to advancements in medicine and technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in protein science?

To thrive in Protein Science, you need a solid background in biochemistry or molecular biology, proficiency in protein expression, purification, and characterization, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in a life science discipline. Experience with analytical tools such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and bioinformatics platforms is highly valuable, as are certifications in laboratory safety. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams are key soft skills. These skills enable the successful design, execution, and interpretation of experiments critical to advancing research and product development in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

What are the main challenges protein science professionals typically face in their daily work?

One of the main challenges in Protein Science is optimizing protein expression and purification protocols, as proteins can be structurally complex and may not always behave predictably. Researchers often encounter issues such as low yield, aggregation, or instability, requiring creative problem-solving and troubleshooting. Collaboration with colleagues in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and analytical chemistry is essential to overcome these hurdles. A dynamic and fast-paced environment means professionals must stay adaptable and up-to-date with technological advances, which together drive successful project outcomes and scientific innovation.

How much do protein scientists make?

Protein scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in molecular biology or biochemistry can earn higher salaries, especially in research or industry settings.

What do protein scientists do?

Protein scientists study the structure, function, and interactions of proteins to understand biological processes and develop applications such as drugs or diagnostics. They often work in laboratories, using techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, and molecular modeling, and may require knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. Their work supports research, development, and quality control in healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.
Infographic showing various Protein Science job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,047 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist - Product Development

Elanco

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th 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

#LI-RH1

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.


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