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Director Protein Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Computational Biologist II (Protein Engineering), you will contribute to cutting edge research ... The ideal candidate is a self directed scientist who is comfortable building new computational ...

Our team of protein engineers, biologists, and computational scientists works across this full ... Manifold Bio is seeking an exceptional Senior Director of Biotherapeutics to help guide and mature ...

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Director Protein Engineering information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director protein engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director protein engineering in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Director Protein Engineering position, and why are they important?

A Director Protein Engineering typically requires a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields, along with extensive experience in protein engineering, assay development, and team leadership. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like molecular modeling software, high-throughput screening systems, and relevant regulatory compliance certifications is important. Exceptional project management, communication, and strategic decision-making skills help in guiding cross-functional teams and driving innovation. These competencies ensure effective oversight of research programs, facilitate collaboration, and enable advanced problem-solving to achieve organizational goals.

What does a Director of Protein Engineering do?

A Director of Protein Engineering leads teams in designing, optimizing, and developing proteins for various applications, such as therapeutics, biotechnology, or industrial enzymes. They oversee research strategies, manage cross-functional collaborations, and ensure project goals align with company objectives. This role requires expertise in molecular biology, structural biology, and protein design, along with strong leadership and project management skills.

What are the main responsibilities of a Director Protein Engineering on a day-to-day basis?

A Director Protein Engineering typically oversees project pipelines, sets scientific strategy, and ensures timely delivery of research milestones. You can expect to manage and mentor multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with departments such as discovery biology, analytical chemistry, and process development, and communicate progress to senior leadership. Daily activities often include troubleshooting experimental challenges, allocating resources, and staying updated on the latest advances in protein engineering. The role also involves fostering an innovative work environment and ensuring research aligns with business objectives.

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What cities are hiring for Director Protein Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Director Protein Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Protein Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Protein Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Director Protein Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Protein Engineering jobs include:
Sr Director, Protein Biochemistry and Lab Automation

Sr Director, Protein Biochemistry and Lab Automation

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Foster City, CA • On-site

$261K - $338K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Gilead Sciences rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Gilead, we're creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we've tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer - working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world's biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description
Essential Duties and Job Functions:
  • As a member of the Protein Therapeutics leadership team, set vision and develop short- and long-term strategies for new research capabilities and expanded capacity through implementation of integrated informatics and automation solutions
  • Scope, design, build, and implement high-throughput and automated molecular biology and protein sciences workflows with hardware and software engineers to integrate both commercially sourced and internally built solutions
  • Lead the Protein Biochemistry team to develop and execute target recombinant DNA and protein expression, purification and characterization strategies to ensure delivery of fully qualified proteins that positively impact Research projects
  • Advise and provide protein reagents to enable small and large molecule lead identification and optimization campaigns, screening assay cascades, structural biology studies. Supply critical reagents to Development and CMC functions.
  • Oversee externalized activities at CROs, including protocol transfer, production outsourcing, and quality control of protein samples for drug discovery programs
  • Build strong partnership and timely communicate with transparency and credibility to both internal and external partners to support Gilead project portfolio
  • Partner with IT and Informatics to streamline structured data capture for analytics and data sciences
  • Lead both PhD and non-PhD scientists and manage people managers
  • Maintain compliance with company policies and record keeping

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
  • Basic qualifications: 10+ years with Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, or equivalent degrees in a highly related discipline
  • Preferred qualifications: 14+ years with Ph.D. and postdoctoral trainings and significant industry experience in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, or equivalent degrees in a highly related discipline
  • Subject matter expertise in recombinant protein generation by bacterial and insect cells for multiple protein classes (e.g., intracellular, membrane, transcription factors and protein complexes) is a must
  • Must have proven track records in designing, building and managing high-throughput automation systems integrating both commercially sourced and internally built hardware and software solutions
  • Proficiency in antibody discovery, biologics engineering and developability assessment in an industry setting is highly desirable
  • Ability to effectively work on multiple projects and associated campaign activities in a fast-paced matrixed environment and thrive in a fast paced, data-driven, and scientifically rigorous environment
  • Must be team-oriented, motivated, and results focused with attention to details and scientific rigor
  • Identify and regularly monitor team key performance indicators to build, refine, and refresh team capabilities and capacity
  • Experience in small or large molecules project team leader or core team member roles is a strong plus

The salary range for this position is: $261,375.00 - $338,250.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.
For additional benefits information, visit:
https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
For jobs in the United States:
Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.
For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.