ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Uw

Research Scientist/Engr 1

Seattle, WA · On-site

$58K/yr

Protein engineering, synthetic biology, and biochemical tool development with emphasis on optogenetically controlled RNA/DNA polymerases, programmable nucleic-acid writing, and in vitro assay systems ...

Guidehouse

Molecular Biologist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

We are looking for a Molecular Biologist (Virology Core Biological Scientist) to support the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at NIAID by performing advanced protein engineering, purification, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProtein Engineering Scientist JobsEntry Level Protein Engineering Scientist Jobs

Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.8K

$156.5K

How much do entry level protein engineering scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist, you need a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Proficiency in laboratory techniques such as PCR, mutagenesis, chromatography, and familiarity with bioinformatics tools and software like PyMOL or BLAST is important. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective teamwork enable you to excel in experimental design and data interpretation. These skills are crucial for advancing research goals, ensuring accurate results, and contributing to collaborative scientific projects.

What does an Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist do?

An Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist assists in the design, modification, and analysis of proteins to improve their properties for specific applications, such as drug development or industrial processes. They typically work in laboratories, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with senior scientists to optimize protein function. Responsibilities may include molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, and using computational tools for protein modeling. This role often serves as a starting point for a career in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research, providing hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques and scientific problem-solving.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level protein engineering scientists when starting in the field?

Entry-level protein engineering scientists often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex laboratory protocols, mastering advanced analytical techniques, and interpreting experimental data accurately. Collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams and efficiently documenting research findings are also common hurdles. However, these challenges present valuable learning opportunities and, with mentorship and regular feedback, new scientists quickly build confidence and expertise.
More about Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Protein Engineering Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Protein Engineering Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist jobs are:
Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Protein Engineering Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,759 per year, or $47.5 per hour.
Sr Research Associate/ Scientist, Enzyme Development

Sr Research Associate/ Scientist, Enzyme Development

ZymoChem

San Leandro, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About ZymoChem
ZymoChem is pioneering breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We are building bio-based materials that make everyday products better for people and the planet, accelerating the world's transition to a true zero-carbon economy.
Backed by $65M in funding from global leaders including lululemon, Toyota Ventures, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is scaling rapidly. With our Series B anticipated in early 2026, we are expanding across all teams to accelerate the commercialization of our products.
At ZymoChem, our culture is rooted in curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. We tackle complex scientific challenges with determination and succeed because of the strength of our diverse, multidisciplinary teams working toward a bold mission. As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, we hold ourselves accountable not only to scientific and commercial excellence, but also to creating measurable impact for people and the planet. If you are motivated by advancing science, addressing climate-scale challenges, and shaping the future of sustainable materials, ZymoChem offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Our Mission: To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.
Our Vision: To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.
Our Values: Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably
Position Summary
The Enzyme Development Sr. Research Associate / Scientist I joins an interdisciplinary team working on the biocatalytic foundation of Zymochem. The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment and advance their career at the cutting edge of synthetic biology. We are looking for you if you are a curious problem-solver with an interest in the nuts-and-bolts of challenging biocatalysts. We also want a collaborative spirit, who will support multiple stages in the R&D pipeline. The successful candidate will exercise both their knowledge and creativity to characterize Zymochem's C2 pathways and engineer improvements in them.
Department Summary
The Enzyme Development Team characterizes and optimizes enzymes across purified proteins, lysates, and production strains by developing assays to measure kinetics, substrate scope, and biophysical properties. They build company-wide knowledge of enzyme requirements and sensitivities, including activation, cofactors, pH, solubility, inhibition, and temperature stability, while collaborating with other teams to identify factors that could limit in vivo production. The team also designs and executes screening campaigns to discover or engineer enzymes that overcome these limitations and drive improved performance in our products.
Responsibilities
  • The primary responsibility of this role will be to own the execution of enzyme characterization and engineering campaigns - primarily in the lab, but also with computational tools. Within 3 months you will become familiar with Zymochem's standard workflows for protein characterization and engineering. Within 6 months, you will be owning the DBTL cycle for your own projects, with guidance and mentorship from the broader team.
    • Design - Connect sequence-structure-function with computational tools, and use this to design the DNA library that will be used in the protein engineering campaign.
    • Build - Library construction, cloning, and QC.
    • Test - More than 50% of your time will be spent testing proteins. This will include both library screening and protein purification + characterization. Additional responsibilities in this role will be developing and refining high-throughput screens, and using Automation to improve assay throughput.
    • Learn - Integrating the data from the protein engineering & characterization into testable insights to inform further improvements. You will then work collaboratively with Biology, Strain engineering and Fermentation teams to apply those insights to improve strain productivity.
  • When conducting these specific responsibilities, you will be expected to perform research with experimental rigor and to communicate the findings clearly
    • Gather and analyze data, discuss with team members to develop next steps and new ideas, and present findings to the broader team.
    • Clearly document and maintain laboratory notebooks and computer documentation and protocols
    • Research, read, comprehend, and summarize relevant scientific literature to support work, contribute to optimization of projects and to explore new technologies or strategies for improvement.
    • Participate and contribute ideas in group and project meetings or with other internal and external stakeholders.
    • Assist with basic technical document revision and support scientists or engineers for projects, publications, and patents.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications
  • BS, MS, PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, (Bio)chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • 1-6+ years of relevant industrial experience. Leveling dependent on overall experience between education and work experience.
  • Essential skills and hands-on experience are in the specific operations of protein characterization and engineering:
    • Need to possess solid knowledge of biochemistry, enzyme mechanisms, and reaction dynamics.
    • Need to have strong basic molecular biology skills for cloning (PCR, Gibson, Golden Gate, etc.). Experience making medium or large libraries a plus.
    • Experience in protein purification, biophysical characterization and enzyme kinetic characterization.
    • Experience developing new assays and / or troubleshooting existing ones.
    • Experience developing and executing screens & selections for collections of proteins (low-, med-, or high-throughput).
    • Strong data analysis skills. We want you if you can integrate a lot of disparate data into a coherent picture, and if when the data leads you to a hypothesis your intuition is to plan an experiment to test it.
  • Nice-to-have skills that support this (let us know if this is you, but none are required):
    • Experience connecting sequence, structure, and function with SOTA computational tools (Eg. Rosetta, Schrodinger BioLuminate, etc.).
    • Experience sifting through large databases (eg. NCBI, metagenomic databases) to identify candidate enzymes.
    • Experience building protocols for lab automation (BioMek, Opentrons, etc.).
    • Experience translating enzyme engineering goals to improve productivity in strains and fermentations.
  • And of course there are the skills every good researcher should have to thrive in a fast-paced environment:
    • Rigorous attention to detail in experimental design, execution, variability, and reproducibility.
    • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills - you will need to communicate to experts and non-experts with different expertise in a fast-paced environment.
    • Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency
  • Ability to safely move up to 25 lbs between locations
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures

Culture and Benefits
We are a mission-driven team building the future of sustainable materials. At ZymoChem, you'll work on bold ideas with smart, collaborative people while enjoying benefits that support you to have work & life balance.
Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with:
  • Competitive pay range of $110,000-140,000 based on experience.
  • Company stock options
  • 401(k) retirement plan (traditional and Roth) with up to 4% company match
  • 100% Employee coverage on base medical, dental, and vision plans and up to 80% dependent coverage. and life and long-term disability insurance.
  • Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance.
  • Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 11 paid company holidays per year.
  • Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well.
  • Monthly Team all-hands and social events.

If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter through our website job posting.
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Apply