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Protein Production Scientist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$27/hr

Our work integrated protein engineering, bioprocessing, and materials characterization to support circular and scalable textile innovation. The team is searching for a contract scientist to support ...

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Lancesoft

Protein Scientist

Foster City, CA · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

Onsite Position - Foster City - M-F Associate Scientist (Contract) Protein Sciences Position Summary We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist (Contract) to support our Protein Sciences ...

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Contract Protein Engineering Scientist information

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$40.5K

$98.8K

$156.5K

How much do contract protein engineering scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract protein engineering scientist in the United States is $98,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Protein Engineering Scientists?

Contract Protein Engineering Scientists are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project basis to design, modify, and optimize proteins for specific applications, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or research. They use techniques like directed evolution, rational design, and computational modeling to alter protein structures and functions to meet client needs. These scientists often work for contract research organizations (CROs), biotech companies, or as independent consultants, providing specialized expertise without long-term employment commitments.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Protein Engineering Scientists when working with external clients?

Contract Protein Engineering Scientists often navigate complex project requirements and tight timelines set by external clients. Communication is key, as clients may have evolving goals or provide incomplete experimental data, requiring adaptability and frequent progress updates. Additionally, ensuring alignment on technical expectations and deliverables while maintaining scientific rigor can be challenging in a fast-paced, contract-based environment. Building strong collaborative relationships with both internal team members and client representatives helps overcome these hurdles and deliver successful project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Contract Protein Engineering Scientist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein design, typically with a PhD or MSc in a related field. Experience with techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, and familiarity with tools like PyMOL, Rosetta, and relevant bioinformatics databases is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage project timelines. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing innovative protein solutions and ensuring project success in a fast-paced, contract-based environment.
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Contract Protein Engineering Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Protein Engineering Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 7% Full Time, 80% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,759 per year, or $47.5 per hour.
Protein Engineering Scientist

Protein Engineering Scientist

Corteva Agriscience

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Who Are We, And What Do We Do?
At Corteva Agriscience you will help us grow what's next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture - leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.
Corteva Agriscience is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Protein Engineering Scientist to join the Protein Engineering Group within Protein Sciences & Analytical Core Technologies (PSACT). This role will contribute to the design, optimization, expression, and characterization of proteins that enable biotechnology and gene-edited seed product development.
We are seeking a scientist with a strong foundation in biochemistry, protein structure-function relationships, and molecular evolution technologies who is excited to apply those skills to complex real-world product challenges. This role is well suited for candidates with experience in protein therapeutics, biologics discovery, enzyme engineering, antibody engineering, or related pharma/biotech protein platforms who want to bring advanced protein engineering approaches into agricultural innovation.
The Protein Engineering Scientist will play a key role in advancing trait discovery and development by applying modern protein engineering approaches, including library design, screening, directed evolution, and high-throughput design-build-test-learn workflows, to deliver impactful solutions aligned with R&D and business strategies. This position will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, partnering closely with discovery, analytical, and development teams to accelerate portfolio progression while maintaining strong scientific rigor, data quality, and operational excellence.
This role will be on-site at our Corteva Seed Global Business Center located in Johnston, IA.
Responsibilities - What You'll Do:
  • Design, engineer, and optimize protein variants to improve activity, specificity, stability, expression, and overall developability.
  • Apply biochemistry, protein structure-function knowledge, and molecular design principles to solve protein performance challenges.
  • Develop and execute protein engineering strategies using approaches such as directed evolution, library design, mutagenesis, and screening/selection workflows.
  • Execute protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows using recombinant systems and analytical techniques.
  • Interpret biochemical, biophysical, and functional data to guide protein engineering strategy and next-step designs.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to advance proteins from early discovery through optimization and development decision points.
  • Contribute to development and continuous improvement of protein engineering platforms, screening workflows, and automation capabilities.
  • Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, data quality, and documentation.
  • Support generation of high-quality data packages and reagents for research, technology, and development milestones.
  • Stay current with emerging protein engineering and analytical technologies and help translate external innovation into internal capability building.

Qualifications and Experiences- What You'll Need:
  • Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in biochemistry, protein engineering, structural biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a related field.
  • Strong background in protein biochemistry and understanding of protein structure, stability, folding, and mechanism/function relationships.
  • Hands-on experience in protein engineering, including one or more of the following:
    • directed evolution
    • display technologies (phage, yeast, ribosome, mRNA, or related platforms)
    • library design and screening/selection
    • rational or semi-rational protein design
  • Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification workflows.
  • Experience applying biochemical and analytical methods to characterize proteins, such as LC/MS, HPLC, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, binding assays, or biophysical characterization methods.
  • Strong data analysis skills and ability to use experimental data to drive decisions and iteration cycles.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based R&D environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high level of scientific rigor and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Industry experience in pharma, biotech, biologics discovery, enzyme engineering, or platform technology development.
  • Experience optimizing proteins for developability attributes such as stability, manufacturability, solubility, and expression.
  • Familiarity with high-throughput screening workflows, automation, or design-build-test-learn platforms.
  • Experience with computational protein design or integration of in silico methods with experimental workflows.
  • Familiarity with regulated environments or contributing to data packages that support downstream development decisions.

Benefits - How We'll Support You:
  • Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
  • Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
  • Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
  • Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
  • Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
  • Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
  • Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
  • Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.
Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.

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