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Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

MSD

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$101K - $154K/yr

... engineering), and molecular biology OR structural biology and membrane protein experience highly desirable. o Supervisory/management experience desired. • A strong publication record desired.

MSD

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$101K - $154K/yr

... engineering), and molecular biology OR structural biology and membrane protein experience highly desirable. o Supervisory/management experience desired. • A strong publication record desired.

Meso Scale Discovery

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD

$101K - $154K/yr

... engineering), and molecular biology OR structural biology and membrane protein experience highly desirable. o Supervisory/management experience desired. • A strong publication record desired.

Meso Scale Discovery

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD

$101K - $154K/yr

... engineering), and molecular biology OR structural biology and membrane protein experience highly desirable. o Supervisory/management experience desired. • A strong publication record desired.

Aitopics

Featured Feat. Data Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $157/hr

Data Science | Fine Tuning | Hybrid search | Information Retrieval | Knowledge graphs * Dash | Data ... Flexible schedule | Freelance opportunities | Part-time hours | Project based work * Part-time ...

GAP SOLUTIONS INC

Biologist (52117)

Gaithersburg, MD · Hybrid

$94K - $102K/yr

... protein and vaccine structure, stability concepts, and elements of the effects of solution ... Qualified applicants must have a Master's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering ...

National Academy of Sciences

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media. * Advises staff and ... May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among ...

Mad Science

Workshop Performer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$45 - $80/hr

This is an excellent, well-paying gig perfect for actors, students, freelancers, or anyone looking ... Become part of our team and help us inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Our ...

Mad Science

Workshop Performer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$45 - $80/hr

This is an excellent, well-paying gig perfect for actors, students, freelancers, or anyone looking ... Become part of our team and help us inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Our ...

Mad Science

Workshop Performer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$45 - $80/hr

This is an excellent, well-paying gig perfect for actors, students, freelancers, or anyone looking ... Become part of our team and help us inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Our ...

Mad Science

Workshop Performer

Washington, DC · On-site

$45 - $80/hr

This is an excellent, well-paying gig perfect for actors, students, freelancers, or anyone looking ... Become part of our team and help us inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Our ...

NWF

Associate Editor, Ranger Rick Outreach

Reston, VA · On-site +1

We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitat and ... Edit or rewrite freelance manuscripts for style, accuracy, and readability. * Review all copy ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProtein Engineering Scientist JobsFreelance Protein Engineering Scientist JobsFreelance Protein Engineering Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.1K

$102.7K

$162.8K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance protein engineering scientist in Reston, VA is $102,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $120,700.00 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance protein engineering scientist?

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist job openings:

Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,744 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Sr. Scientist (Downstream Process Development)

Kelly Services

Gaithersburg, MD

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Kelly Government Solutions is a strategic supplier and business partner to the federal government and its key suppliers.  Through our partnership with the National Institutes of Health, Kelly Government Solutions offers administrative, IT, engineering, scientific, and healthcare professionals the opportunity to work with the leading medical research center in the world.  We have an opening for a Senior Scientist (Downstream Process Development) to work on-site at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Gaithersburg, MD.
This is a long-term contract position which offers:
-    Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
-    Optional health, vision, and dental plans
-    Paid leave as well as 11 paid federal holidays and 401K plan.  
-    Access to NIH’s unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
KEY TASKS
(1) Oversee the development of downstream processes for clinical candidates and the process of tech transfer for clinical material generation
(2) Provide project support to develop downstream process methods that meet the product quality and recovery characteristics to guarantee successful production of clinical material.
(3) Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in guiding purification strategies for new vaccine or therapeutic mAb candidates 
(4) Work with regulatory team to support IND submissions and other requests. 
(5) Oversee viral clearance strategies in relevant downstream processes and direct the viral clearance validation efforts 
(6) Plan and oversee downstream processes for toxicology lot material production. 
(7) Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure timely and scale-appropriate Technology Transfer is achieved
(8) Write/edit/review tech transfer documents to support downstream process Master Batch Record authoring.
(9) Serve as SME in downstream troubleshooting and facility fit calculations. 
(10) Serve as the Center’s downstream SME in external collaborations for clinical development projects
(11) Work to troubleshoot and improve downstream methods during the development cycle. This includes efforts in designing optimization studies (DOE with JMP) and streamlining efforts to ensure timely development schedules
REQUIREMENTS
(1) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field
(2) Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with recombinant protein purification development for GMP clinical-phase products
PLEASE APPLY ONLINE
When you apply, please know a Kelly Government Solutions Recruiter will review your resume and will contact you directly, if your skills and experience match the requirements of this position; a full job description can be made available at that time.
Due to the high volume of inquiries, we regret that we cannot accept phone calls. Even if you aren’t contacted for this position, you are still part of our talent network.  All Kelly recruiters have access to your profile, which expands your opportunities even further.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, short-term disability, and a transportation spending account. In addition, this position offers employees the ability to earn up to 160 hours of paid time off annually and eleven paid holidays per benefit year. We also offer a generous defined 401(k) contribution to help you save for retirement. Visit https://www.mykelly.us/us-mykelly/perks/ for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
#government
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Government Solutions?

Looking to connect with premier government agencies or the top 25 federal government contractors? Kelly Government Solutions partners with these organizations to create expert talent solutions that solve the world’s most critical challenges. We offer a variety of full-time, project (SOW), seasonal, and surge support opportunities in science, engineering, technology, professional, and administrative support roles. Our experts will connect you to the opportunity that fits your schedule and interests and handle the details of transferring and processing all levels of security clearances. It’s just another way we make the job search work for you.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.