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Senior Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist, Human Milk Research

Evansville, IN · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Mead Johnson Nutrition is seeking a Senior Scientist to join its Human Milk Preclinical Research team in Evansville, Indiana, to advance discovery science exploring how human milk shapes infant ...

Senior Scientist, Human Milk Research

Evansville, IN · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Mead Johnson Nutrition is seeking a Senior Scientist to join its Human Milk Preclinical Research team in Evansville, Indiana, to advance discovery science exploring how human milk shapes infant ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$63.3K

$105.2K

$156.5K

How much do senior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist in Indiana is $105,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $118,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a senior scientist in the US?

The average salary for a senior scientist in the US typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Senior scientists often have advanced degrees and specialized skills, which can influence compensation levels.

What are Senior Scientists?

Senior Scientists are experienced professionals who lead scientific research projects and teams within organizations such as universities, research institutes, or private companies. They design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results to advance knowledge in their field. Senior Scientists also mentor junior staff, secure research funding, and often publish findings in scientific journals. They typically have advanced degrees (such as a PhD) and years of experience in their area of expertise.

What is the difference between Senior Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically PhD in relevant field, extensive research experienceUsually Master's or PhD, early to mid-career research experience
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, mentors junior staff, collaborates across teamsConducts experiments, data analysis, supports research projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, R&D divisionsUniversities, research institutes, industry R&D

In summary, Senior Scientists generally have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and mentorship roles compared to Research Scientists, who focus more on conducting experiments and supporting research activities.

What Is a Senior Scientist?

A senior scientist is a research professional who oversees a lab or the development of a research project and directs other scientists and assistants to carry out tasks on the project. In an academic setting, your duties and responsibilities also include overseeing doctoral dissertations and teaching classes. As a senior scientist, you can work in many industries outside academia, including the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and medical products industries. Due to the variety of employment options, your exact duties can change from job to job.

What is the highest paid scientist job?

The highest paid scientist roles are often in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, pharmaceutical research, or data science, with senior positions like Chief Scientific Officer or Director of R&D typically earning the highest salaries. These roles usually require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and compensation can reach into seven figures in some industries and companies.

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

To thrive as a Senior Scientist, you need advanced expertise in your scientific field, a relevant Ph.D. or equivalent experience, and a strong track record of research accomplishments. Familiarity with laboratory management software, data analysis tools, and often regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you lead teams, collaborate across disciplines, and secure funding. These abilities are crucial for driving innovative research, ensuring rigorous scientific standards, and advancing organizational goals.

What does a senior scientist do?

A senior scientist conducts advanced research and experiments within their field, often leading projects and analyzing data to develop new knowledge or products. They typically have specialized expertise, use scientific tools and methodologies, and may oversee junior staff or collaborate with cross-functional teams.

How does a Senior Scientist typically contribute to cross-functional project teams?

Senior Scientists play a crucial role in cross-functional teams by providing deep subject-matter expertise, designing experiments, and interpreting complex data to drive project outcomes. They often collaborate closely with research associates, project managers, and professionals from regulatory, quality, and manufacturing departments. Effective communication and the ability to translate scientific findings for non-technical stakeholders are essential aspects of their daily work. This collaborative environment allows Senior Scientists to influence project direction and mentor junior team members while advancing their own leadership skills.

How much does a senior scientist earn?

A senior scientist's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on industry, location, experience, and education level. They often hold advanced degrees and may work in research, development, or laboratory environments, with salaries increasing with specialized skills and certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Senior Scientist jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Senior Scientist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Scientist jobs in IN? For Senior Scientist jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Senior Scientist job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $105,190 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Senior Scientist - Manufacturing Science

Lilly

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Job Description:

The Senior Scientist – Manufacturing Science provides the technical support required to achieve the reliable and compliant manufacture of the API External Manufacturing (API EM) portfolio which includes raw materials, intermediates, enzymes and bulk drug substances.  The Senior Scientist – Manufacturing Science executes technical projects (experimental, modeling and/or production data analysis) to improve and optimize process control, yield, purity, and/or productivity.  In addition, the Senior Scientist – Manufacturing Science should be capable and technically independent in setting up and executing a variety of experiments at the laboratory scale and conduct research on manufactured product for process improvements and troubleshooting in the TS/MS laboratory. 

Key Objectives/Deliverables:

  • Understand the scientific principles required for manufacturing intermediates and bulk drug substances, including the interaction of the chemistry and equipment. 

  • Execute technical projects (experimental, modeling and/or production data analysis) to improve process control, yield, purity, and/or productivity.

  • Provide technical support for preparation of relevant technical documents, as required, such as: technical reports, change controls, regulatory submissions, deviation investigations, validation protocols and summary reports, processing records, procedures, PFDs, VMPs, etc.

  • Develop and monitor established metrics in real-time to assess process variability and capability.

  • Understand, justify and document the state of validation (process and cleaning) with data that evaluate the capability of the manufacturing process to meet its stated purpose.

  • Ensure that an accurate instruction set (tickets & procedures) and PFD describe the process as performed and the control strategy for the discrete manufacturing steps.

  • Provide support internal and joint process teams and to the global and local PLOT teams.

  • Ability to independently set up and execute various chemical reactions.

  • Ensure that experiments are well designed with clear objectives

  • Ability to analyze data and ensure appropriate documentation

  • Utilize save laboratory practice and adhere to CHP requirements

  • Write technical reports and documents

Basic Requirements:

  • Bachelors degree in scientific disciplines of Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry.
  • 3+ years of relevant industrial experience in any of the following discipline such as API Manufacturing, TS/MS, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, or Development.
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Preferences:

  • Demonstrated basic knowledge in small molecule API Manufacturing.

  • Familiarity with cGMP manufacturing environment and terminology.

  • Excellent analytical, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

  • Ability to prioritize activities.

  • Good judgment and flexibility.

Other Information:

  • Complete learning plan for API EM TS/MS Scientist.

  • No certifications required.

  • Tasks require entering manufacturing areas which require wearing appropriate PPE.

  • Domestic and international Travel (variable, can approach 20%)

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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

$66,000 - $171,600

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


What Eli Lilly and Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Eli Lilly logo

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