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Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SystImmune, Inc

Director, Protein Engineering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

This is a hands-on scientific leadership role that combines team management, platform ownership ... Stay current on the protein engineering, display technology, and lab automation landscape; bring ...

Systimmune

Director, Protein Engineering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

This is a hands-on scientific leadership role that combines team management, platform ownership ... Stay current on the protein engineering, display technology, and lab automation landscape; bring ...

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All JobsProtein Engineering Scientist JobsFreelance Protein Engineering Scientist Jobs

Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist information

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$40.5K

$98.8K

$156.5K

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 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 is a Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist?

A Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist is an independent professional who specializes in modifying and designing proteins to achieve specific functions, often working with clients in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or research. They apply principles from molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational modeling to create or enhance proteins for various applications, such as drug development or industrial processes. Unlike full-time employees, freelance scientists work on a project basis, offering flexibility to both themselves and their clients. Their tasks can include experimental design, data analysis, and reporting results. Many freelance protein engineers collaborate remotely and may serve multiple clients simultaneously.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance protein engineering scientists, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance protein engineering scientists often encounter challenges such as limited access to laboratory resources, fluctuating project workloads, and the need to maintain strong professional networks. To address these issues, many freelancers partner with contract research organizations (CROs) or utilize shared laboratory spaces for hands-on work. Building relationships with clients and staying active in professional communities can help secure ongoing projects and collaborations. Additionally, effective time management and clear communication are essential for balancing multiple assignments and meeting client expectations.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist, you need advanced knowledge in molecular biology, protein structure-function relationships, and often a graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in biochemistry or related fields. Familiarity with bioinformatics software, protein modeling tools (such as PyMOL or Rosetta), and possibly certifications in data analysis or laboratory techniques is highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication, and time management skills help set freelancers apart in client-driven environments. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative solutions, managing independent projects, and maintaining client trust in a competitive scientific market.

What is the difference between Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist vs Protein Biochemist?

AspectFreelance Protein Engineering ScientistProtein Biochemist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fieldsUsually holds a PhD or Master's in biochemistry or molecular biology
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remote or client-siteResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry settings
Employer/Industry UsageFreelance consulting, biotech startups, research firmsUniversities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies
Common Search/ComparisonFreelance Protein Engineering Scientist vs Protein Biochemist

The main difference is that a Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist works independently on specific projects, often consulting for various clients, while a Protein Biochemist typically works within a research or industry lab environment, focusing on fundamental research or product development. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their work settings and employment types differ significantly.

More about Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Freelance 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 Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs are:
Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $98,759 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Scientist - Protein Engineering

Merge Labs

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab with the mission of bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency and experience. We're pursuing this goal by developingfundamentally new approaches to brain-computer interfaces that interact with the brain at high bandwidth, integrate with advanced AI, and are ultimately safe and accessible for anyone to use.
About the team:
Our Bio team designs, builds, and characterizes the biotechnologies that form the foundation of next-generation brain-computer interfaces. We combine molecular engineering, synthetic biology, neuroscience, and advanced physical methods such as ultrasound to establish less invasive, high-bandwidth connections with neurons. The Bio team develops our core molecular technologies, validates their performance in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrates their advanced capabilities in animal models. We build custom experimental setups and pipelines and collaborate closely with engineers and data scientists. We work across disciplines to come up with creative ideas and solve some of the most challenging problems in biotechnology.
About the role
As a Protein Engineer in a BCI company, you will design, build, and optimize the key biomolecules that translate between the languages of cells and machines - turning neuronal activity at the molecular scale into interpretable signals and enabling precise modulation.
You'll work with unconventional proteins - from atypical biosensors and membrane proteins to complex, multi-component assemblies - and use your biophysical insights, high-throughput experimental methods, and close collaboration with our computational team to push the boundaries of what these molecules can do. Your work will set the molecular foundation for next-generation brain-computer interfaces.
In this role, you will:
  • Design and implement diverse protein engineering strategies - from rational design and computational modeling to directed evolution and combinatorial library - to build dynamic molecular systems with desirable properties.
  • Build and characterize protein variants at high throughput to test and iterate hypotheses rapidly and rigorously: implement and optimize scalable workflows from library generation, expression in various in vitro systems, to standard and custom assays.
  • Collaborate with our computational team to establish models linking sequences and structures to function, guide the generation of future constructs, and augment our intuition.
  • Explore the mechanisms behind complex biomolecules and translate that understanding into creative, out-of-the-box designswith the support of our biochemists, structural biologists, and computational teams.
  • Develop novel screening and validation methods to further accelerate the entire design-build-iterate loop and ensure a smooth transition toward in vivo applications.

You might thrive in this role if you:
  • Have a PhD in Bioengineering, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field, or have equivalent experience leading research projects end-to-end.
  • Are proficient in library construction, protein expression in mammalian cells, and standard characterization.
  • Are comfortable using computational approaches for protein engineering and understand the fundamental principles involved.
  • Think mechanistically: you are motivated by understanding how things work, not just that they work.
  • Enjoy working with dynamic, multi-state proteins and/or complex protein assemblies.
  • Feel joy in collaboration and communicate naturally with experts across disciplines.
  • Are energized by 0->1 innovations and always on the lookout for creative ways to do better.
  • Want to be part of a fast-paced team working on frontier scientific and technical problems.

Nice to have
  • Experience with engineering multi-state proteins, membrane proteins, and multi-component protein assemblies.
  • Experience with protein expression in primary neurons, brain organoids, or brain tissues.
  • Experience with large-scale screening.
  • Experience with creative assay development.
  • Familiarity with machine learning or data-driven design approaches.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification, please apply. As we build, we're hiring for complementary strengths to form a high-impact team.
For more information about hiring at Merge, please visit our Hiring FAQ
Merge Labs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, family status, ancestry, citizenship, U.S. military (state and federal) and veteran status, or any other legally protected status. It is our intention that all applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job related factors. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made by emailing accommodations@merge.io.

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