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Entry Level Protein Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

... protein engineering expertise to unlock proprietary insights that are leveraged to generate ... If you are self-motivated, adaptable, and willing to constantly learn, this entry-level position is ...

Lab Technician

San Francisco, CA

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

... protein engineering expertise to unlock proprietary insights that are leveraged to generate ... If you are self-motivated, adaptable, and willing to constantly learn, this entry-level position is ...

Greenhouse Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

EXPERIENCE: * Entry level experience in greenhouse, landscaping, horticulture, gardening ... Sampling genetically engineered plant tissue for DNA and Protein testing in search of desired ...

Greenhouse Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

EXPERIENCE: * Entry level experience in greenhouse, landscaping, horticulture, gardening ... Sampling genetically engineered plant tissue for DNA and Protein testing in search of desired ...

Greenhouse Technician

Memphis, TN

$16 - $18.75/hr

EXPERIENCE: * Entry level experience in greenhouse, landscaping, horticulture, gardening ... Sampling genetically engineered plant tissue for DNA and Protein testing in search of desired ...

Greenhouse Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

EXPERIENCE: * Entry level experience in greenhouse, landscaping, horticulture, gardening ... Sampling genetically engineered plant tissue for DNA and Protein testing in search of desired ...

Post Doc Res Assoc

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

... P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per ... Mitochondrial protein import, organelle proteostasis, or quality control. * Functional genomics:

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

... P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per ... Mitochondrial protein import, organelle proteostasis, or quality control. * Functional genomics:

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

... P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per ... Mitochondrial protein import, organelle proteostasis, or quality control. * Functional genomics:

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

... P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per ... Mitochondrial protein import, organelle proteostasis, or quality control. * Functional genomics:

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Entry Level Protein Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level protein engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level protein engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level protein engineer do?

An entry level protein engineer assists in designing, modifying, and analyzing proteins to improve their functions or create new ones. They typically work in laboratory settings, performing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with senior scientists. Their responsibilities may include protein expression, purification, and characterization, as well as using computational tools to model protein structures. Entry level protein engineers play a vital role in research and development in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related industries.

What types of projects and daily tasks can an entry level protein engineer expect to work on?

As an entry level protein engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks such as designing and expressing recombinant proteins, performing mutagenesis experiments, and analyzing protein structure and function using techniques like SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and spectroscopy. You'll often collaborate closely with senior scientists, molecular biologists, and bioinformaticians to troubleshoot experiments or interpret data. Many entry level roles also include maintaining lab equipment, preparing reagents, and documenting experimental results. These tasks help build a solid foundation of laboratory skills and scientific knowledge, while giving you exposure to the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern protein research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level protein engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Protein Engineer, you need a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, with experience in protein expression, purification, and characterization. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and use of bioinformatics tools like PyMOL or BLAST is highly valuable. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate experimental results, efficient collaboration, and the ability to solve complex problems in protein research and development.

What is the difference between Entry Level Protein Engineer vs Entry Level Biochemist?

AspectEntry Level Protein EngineerEntry Level Biochemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field; basic lab skillsBachelor's in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field; laboratory experience
Work EnvironmentBiotech or pharmaceutical labs focusing on protein design and engineeringResearch labs, biotech companies, or academic settings studying biochemical processes
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, research institutionsResearch institutions, biotech companies, academic labs

Entry Level Protein Engineers focus on designing and modifying proteins using computational and laboratory techniques, often working in biotech and pharmaceutical settings. Entry Level Biochemists conduct experiments to understand biochemical processes, working across similar environments. Both roles require a bachelor's degree and lab experience, but Protein Engineers emphasize protein design, while Biochemists focus on biochemical research.

How much do entry level protein engineers make?

Entry level protein engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the location, industry, and educational background. Starting salaries may increase with relevant skills such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and laboratory experience.
More about Entry Level Protein Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Protein Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Protein Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Protein Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Research Associate I (Protein Science & Analytics)

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Role: 

This unique entry-level Research Associate I position offers the rare chance to work across two core teams, Analytics and Protein Science. You'll gain hands-on experience supporting protein development, purification, and analysis, while learning how these disciplines work together to drive innovation in precision fermentation. 

This is a great opportunity for someone early in their career who thrives in the lab, loves variety, and wants to learn fast in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

What you'll accomplish

  • Generate data through basic biochemistry/molecular biology techniques (including but not limited to BCA, SDS-PAGE)
  • Operate and maintain analytical equipment (e.g., HPLC-UV/RI and Combustion Analyzer, dynamic light scatterer, FPLC-UV, fluorescence/UV plate reader) 
  • Support protein characterization workflows through lab-scale protein powder generation involving bench-scale downstream processing unit operations (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, diafiltration)
  • Prepare samples, reagents, and buffers to support cross-functional experiments
  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers across teams to troubleshoot and iterate quickly as part of our Design, Build, Test, and Learn pipeline
  • Present results to the technology organization in regular meetings of scientific teams
  • Maintain lab organization, cleanliness, and proper documentation

 What you bring (required)

    • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field
    • Some hands-on lab experience (academic, internship, or industry), with an emphasis on analytical instrumentation familiarity
    • A detail-oriented mindset exemplified in experiment note-taking, report writing, and communication of experimental results to team members
    • Comfortable with basic wet lab techniques (especially pipetting with single and multichannel pipettes) and eager to learn new ones
    • Collaborative, organized, and enthusiastic about working across teams

Why you'll love it here:

  • Comprehensive benefits: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and stock options
  • Tasty perks: Weekly catered lunches
  • Customizable options: FSA, LSA, Commuter, Pet Care, and additional life insurance
  • Work-life harmony: Flexible PTO and 10+ paid company holidays per year
  • Onsite conveniences: Free parking and unlimited gym access
  • Energizing refreshments: Unlimited sparkling water, granola bars, snacks, local coffee, and tea
  • Exciting socials: happy hours and quarterly company outings
  • Open communication: Monthly all-hands meetings and direct access to CEO and leadership
  • Ideal location: Close to Daly City BART 

Pay Range: $75,000 - $85,000

At EVERY pay ranges are subject to change and assigned to a job based on the location specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.