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Molecular Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

e184

Scientist - Endometrial Biology

Portland, OR · On-site

$37.50 - $47/hr

... engineered tissue systems that recapitulate peri-implantation physiology. * Investigate implantation mechanisms: Design and execute experiments to identify molecular pathways regulating embryo ...

e184

Scientist - Endometrial Biology

Portland, OR · On-site

$37.50 - $47/hr

... engineered tissue systems that recapitulate peri-implantation physiology. * Investigate implantation mechanisms: Design and execute experiments to identify molecular pathways regulating embryo ...

e184

Scientist - Endometrial Biology

Portland, OR · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

... engineered tissue systems that recapitulate peri‑implantation physiology. * Investigate implantation mechanisms: Design and execute experiments to identify molecular pathways regulating embryo ...

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All JobsMolecular Engineer JobsMolecular Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Molecular Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$62.5K

$145.4K

$208K

How much do molecular engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for molecular engineer in Portland, OR is $145,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $207,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a molecular engineer?

A Molecular Engineer designs and manipulates molecules to develop new materials, medicines, or technologies. They apply principles from chemistry, biology, and engineering to create solutions in fields like healthcare, nanotechnology, and energy. Their work involves laboratory experiments, computer modeling, and collaboration with scientists and engineers.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a molecular engineer?

As a Molecular Engineer, your day-to-day tasks often include designing and synthesizing new molecules or materials, conducting experiments, and analyzing data from advanced laboratory equipment. You may collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, and engineers to develop innovative solutions for fields like drug development, nanotechnology, or materials science. Documentation of experimental results, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting laboratory protocols are also common parts of the role. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to advancements in technology and medicine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a molecular engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Molecular Engineer, you need a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and materials science, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Proficiency with tools such as molecular modeling software, spectroscopic analysis, and laboratory automation systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly are highly valued soft skills. These attributes enable Molecular Engineers to innovate, ensure experimental accuracy, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary projects.

What does a molecular engineer do?

A molecular engineer designs and develops molecules and materials at the atomic and molecular levels for applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and materials science. They use techniques such as chemical synthesis, modeling, and analysis, often working with laboratory equipment and computer simulations to create innovative solutions.

What jobs can you get with molecular engineering?

Molecular engineers can work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology, designing and developing new materials, drugs, and chemical processes. Common roles include research scientist, process engineer, product development engineer, and quality control specialist, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, biology, and laboratory techniques.

What are popular job titles related to Molecular Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Molecular Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Molecular Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Molecular Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Molecular Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Molecular Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,374 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Assistant Staff Scientist

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The School of Dentistry shares the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University to provide educational programs, basic and clinical research, and high quality care and community programs. We strive to foster an environment of mutual respect where the free exchange of ideas can flourish. The dental school prepares graduates in general dentistry and the dental specialties to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care. 


The Pfeifer lab is a collaborative Research group within the School of Dentistry, Department of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences. The lab was established in 2011 and has been continuously supported by the NIH-National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and others. We have a strong track record in the fields of Biomaterials and Polymer Chemistry, with over 150 publications and several full patents. Our focus is to develop materials solutions for use in healthcare applications (including oral) with a heavy emphasis at the interface with microbiology and host tissue interactions. We have been able to be successful in this quest thanks to a multi-disciplinary team of highly collaborative individuals, including materials scientists, clinicians, engineers, chemists and microbiologists. The work we do spans traditional materials science and cell biology. We'd love for you to join us!

Dr. Carmem Pfeifer seeks an Assistant Staff Scientist with extensive knowledge of microbiology and materials science related methods to drive research projects to academic and translational goals. This person will contribute to scientific direction of numerous projects and share the management responsibilities for lab members working on those projects. Technical expertise in the area molecular biology and molecular design, as well as collaborative research approach are key to success in this role. 


  • PhD in relevant field (Bioengineering, Biology, Biomaterials, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science)
  • Doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences or related fields and a minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral work experience in a research lab with a focus on material-tissue/biofilm interactions
  • Intimate knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology assays
  • Knowledge of how to operate various instrumentation and basic engineering principles for applications and troubleshooting with instrumentation (including at least a few of the following: Mechanical testing: universal testing machine (flexural strength, fracture toughness, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology); Spectroscopic techniques (IR and UV-Vis, mass spec, GPC, HPLC); Imaging (SEM and confocal microscopy)
  • Ability to optimize and adapt existing molecular biology protocols for analysis of modified material surfaces
  • Familiarity with spatial analysis approaches such as spatial transcriptomics, especially for engineered tissues or on-chip systems
  • Familiarity with technical writing, including research manuscripts, methods manuscripts, patents, and other IP documentation
  • Ability to lead discussions around research projects and proactively communicate with research team members for the success of the project
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills: both written and verbal
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
  • Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) on Window OS, and other advanced graphing and image design software (Prism, Origin, Photoshop, Adobe illustrator)
  • Ability to use empathy and diplomacy to support trainees and other lab members 

  • Experience with molecular biology techniques, in silico docking, molecular simulations, microbiology, materials science
  • High-quality peer-reviewed publications
  • Grant writing experience
  • Small molecule synthesis
  • Peptide synthesis
  • MATLAB
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Workshop experience

We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887

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