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Computational Drug Design Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Systimmune

Director, Protein Engineering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Use NGS, flow cytometry, and computational tools to inform iterative protein design and lead ... Minimum 10 years of industry experience in biologics drug discovery and development. * Minimum 8 ...

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All JobsComputational Drug Design JobsComputational Drug Design Jobs in Seattle, WA

Computational Drug Design information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$46

$62

$84

How much do computational drug design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for computational drug design in Seattle, WA is $62.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.37 and $83.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is computational drug design?

Computational drug design is the use of computer-based methods and simulations to discover, develop, and optimize new pharmaceutical compounds. This field combines chemistry, biology, and computer science to model how potential drug molecules interact with biological targets, such as proteins or enzymes. Techniques like molecular docking, virtual screening, and molecular dynamics are commonly used to predict the efficacy and safety of new drugs before laboratory testing. By leveraging computational tools, researchers can significantly speed up the drug discovery process and reduce costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computational drug design scientist?

To thrive as a Computational Drug Design scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, and computer science, typically supported by an advanced degree (e.g., PhD) in a related field. Proficiency with molecular modeling software, cheminformatics tools, and programming languages such as Python or R is essential, along with familiarity with databases like PDB and software such as Schrödinger or MOE. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help translate computational findings into actionable insights for multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for efficiently identifying promising drug candidates and supporting data-driven decision-making in pharmaceutical research.

What are some common challenges faced in a computational drug design role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Computational Drug Design often encounter challenges such as managing large and complex datasets, integrating diverse software tools, and ensuring accurate modeling of biological systems. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous learning to stay updated with the latest algorithms and software, collaborating closely with experimental scientists, and developing strong data management practices. Effective communication and teamwork are also essential, as the role frequently involves working in multidisciplinary teams to translate computational findings into actionable experimental strategies.

What is the difference between Computational Drug Design vs Medicinal Chemist?

AspectComputational Drug DesignMedicinal Chemist
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or related field; strong computational skillsDegree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related field; laboratory experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms; primarily computer-basedLaboratories, pharmaceutical companies; hands-on chemical synthesis and analysis
Industry UsageDrug discovery, virtual screening, molecular modeling

Computational Drug Design focuses on using computer simulations and modeling to identify potential drug candidates, while Medicinal Chemists are involved in synthesizing and testing chemical compounds in the lab. Both roles are essential in the drug development process but differ in their methods and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Computational Drug Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Computational Drug Design jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computational Drug Design jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Computational Drug Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Computational Drug Design jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Computational Drug Design job openings:

Computational Drug Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computational Drug Design job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,019 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

AI Scientist Intern, Computational Protein Design

Xaira Therapeutics

Seattle, WA

$10K - $15K/mo

Internship

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Role

As an AI Scientist Intern on our Computational Protein Design team, you will work alongside talented scientists and engineers developing generative AI models for protein and antibody therapeutic design. During your internship, you will contribute to advancing state-of-the-art machine learning models for biology, with a focus on impacting protein/antibody design and drug discovery. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary experts in biology, drug discovery, and clinical research.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and apply deep learning methods for protein/antibody structure, sequence, or property modeling, under the guidance and mentorship of experienced scientists and engineers
  • Implement and train models on GPUs using PyTorch
  • Contribute to ongoing research projects involving protein structure, sequence, or biophysical/affinity datasets
  • Participate in discussions to help generate innovative ideas for advancing AI methodologies in computational protein design
  • Document findings and communicate progress effectively to peers and mentors

Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related technical field, with strong publication record
  • Hands-on experience with PyTorch and training/inference of AI models on GPUs
  • Strong interest in AI innovation and its applications to interdisciplinary fields such as biology and chemistry
  • Extensive hands-on experience with deep learning methods and frameworks
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and learn from experienced mentors
  • A scientifically curious mindset with a passion for exploring new challenges
  • Experience with large-scale distributed training and inference is a plus
  • Exposure to molecular structure or biological sequence data or computational biology/bioinformatics is a plus, but not required
  • Prior research experience demonstrated through publications and/or significant open source code authorship
  • Interest in contributing to open-source deep learning libraries and frameworks is a plus

Internship Duration
3 months
The expected monthly compensation range is $10,000-$15,000, depending on experience and qualifications. We are open to higher compensation for candidates with exceptional experience or impact. This internship is designed to provide a unique learning experience, offering hands-on exposure to the intersection of AI and computational protein design while allowing you to contribute meaningfully to real-world projects.

Apply