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Entry Level Protein Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is an entry-level role, great for individuals who have done some research during an undergrad ... Protein expression and purification experience (e.g., affinity, SEC, IEX) * Mammalian cell culture ...

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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 Jul 17, 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 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 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.

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 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Research Lab Technician II - OHNS Cancer Research

Research Lab Technician II - OHNS Cancer Research

Mass General Brigham

Boston, MA • On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Brigham and Women's Hospital rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

115th of 1,020 rated hospitals


Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.
Job Summary
Summary
Carries out a broad range of technically advanced research activities and procedures; evaluates conclusions and has considerable latitude to modify or devise methods and techniques as necessary to achieve desired results; typically supervises technical and sometimes administrative elements of the research unit.
Does this position require Patient Care? No
Essential Functions
-Executes protocols of non-routine experiments.
-Assists PI with determining the most suitable methodology.
-Performs basic design and modification of protocols.
-Calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data.
-Prepares and presents reports.
-Organizes and summarizes acquired data using scientific and Statistical Techniques.
-Participates in the design of experiments or field work.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes
Licenses and Credentials
Experience
Previous Research Lab Experience 1-2 years required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems.
- Ability to interpret acceptability of data results.
- Strong Computer skills.
- Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies.
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Job Description: Research Lab Technician II (RLT II)
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician II will support preclinical and translational cancer research within the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear. The position is based in the research space at SERI, 50 Staniford Street, Boston, under the supervision of Dr. Rahul Pal. The technician will play a central role in maintaining and executing in vivo mouse tumor studies and associated cellular and molecular biology experiments. A strong foundation in animal handling, cell biology, and standard molecular biology techniques is essential. This position is well suited for a candidate interested in applying rigorous biological methods to translational cancer research, with opportunities to learn and grow into cutting edge imaging and computational analysis approaches developed in the laboratory.
Responsibilities
The Research Technician II will be responsible for a broad range of experimental and analytical activities, including:
In vivo mouse tumor models
  • Establishing, maintaining, and monitoring murine tumor models
  • Performing tumor implantation, measurements, and longitudinal study support
  • Handling and processing of mouse tissues following in vivo experiments
  • Supporting ex vivo tissue preparation and analysis, including sample preservation for downstream assays

Cell biology and in vitro systems
  • Maintaining routine mammalian cell culture
  • Establishing and expanding primary cell lines from tumor or tissue specimens
  • Performing cell-based assays to evaluate biological responses to therapeutic or imaging agents
  • Supporting experimental design and execution of mechanistic studies in vitro

Molecular and biochemical techniques
  • Tissue processing for downstream molecular analyses
  • Extraction of DNA, RNA, and proteins from tissue and cell samples
  • Western blotting, immunodetection, and related protein analysis techniques
  • Flow cytometry and sample preparation for immune and tumor cell profiling
  • Supporting downstream data interpretation in collaboration with investigators

Imaging and technology development (training provided)
  • Participation in ex vivo tissue imaging and fluorescence-based assays
  • Exposure to advanced fluorescence lifetime imaging and other optical imaging modalities developed in the laboratory
  • Assisting with instrument testing, validation, and experimental imaging workflows
  • Imaging expertise is not required at entry level and will be developed through on-the-job training

Data analysis and computational support
  • Performing data analysis using commercial and laboratory-developed software tools
  • Exposure to image processing and quantitative analysis pipelines
  • Experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is highly desirable but not required
  • Opportunity to contribute to development of custom analysis workflows in collaboration with the research team

General laboratory and research support
  • Maintaining accurate experimental records, databases, and sample inventories
  • Assisting with preparation of reports, figures, manuscripts, and presentations
  • Supporting regulatory documentation and compliance requirements as needed
  • Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary team members across basic and clinical research environments

Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is required, along with 1-2 years of relevant post-baccalaureate laboratory experience.
Strongly Preferred:
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated hands-on experience with animal models and/or a strong background in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including tissue handling, mammalian cell culture, and standard biochemical assays. Strong proficiency in following experimental protocols with precision, maintaining accurate records, and working with biological samples is essential. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative research team are required, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to shifting experimental priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
Preferred qualifications include prior experience with mouse tumor models or cancer biology research, as well as familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting, nucleic acid extraction, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Exposure to biomedical imaging, quantitative assays, or interdisciplinary research environments integrating biology and technology is highly desirable. Experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is a strong plus but not required. Candidates with a strong interest in transitioning into a highly interdisciplinary program that integrates cancer biology, molecular imaging, and computational analysis are especially encouraged to apply.
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
20 Staniford Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
Pay Range
$24.28 - $39.43/Hourly
Grade
6
At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.
EEO Statement:
5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's 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 Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.

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