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Protein Biophysics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist, Protein Production

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $174K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a passionate, curious, and collaborative protein scientist to join our Protein Sciences group, an interdisciplinary team that has expertise in protein chemistry, enzymology, biophysics ...

Scientist - Protein Biochemist

Thousand Oaks, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Use biochemical and biophysical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blot, spectrophotometry, SEC-MALS, SPR, mass spectrometry) to assess protein quality and stability. Collaborate with team members ...

Scientist - Protein Biochemist

Thousand Oaks, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Use biochemical and biophysical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blot, spectrophotometry, SEC-MALS, SPR, mass spectrometry) to assess protein quality and stability. Collaborate with team members ...

General DiffUSE Job Application

Emeryville, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

Macromolecular ensemble metrics Machine learning research for macromolecules and biophysics * Representation learning for protein dynamics * ML on raw experimental data rather than processed ...

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Protein Biophysics information

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How much do protein biophysics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for protein biophysics in the United States is $42.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is protein biophysics?

Protein biophysics is a scientific discipline that studies the physical principles and mechanisms underlying the structure, function, dynamics, and interactions of proteins. Researchers in this field use techniques from physics, chemistry, and biology to understand how proteins fold, move, and perform their biological roles. Methods such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy are commonly used to investigate protein properties. This knowledge is essential for drug discovery, understanding diseases, and developing new biomaterials.

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

To thrive as a Protein Biophysicist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, typically with at least a master's or PhD in a related field. Familiarity with tools and techniques such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and computational modeling software is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills distinguish successful professionals in this role. These skills ensure accurate experimental design, data interpretation, and the ability to work efficiently within research teams to advance scientific understanding of protein structure and function.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in protein biophysics, and how can they be addressed?

Protein biophysicists frequently encounter challenges such as interpreting complex experimental data, maintaining reproducibility in experiments, and managing interdisciplinary collaboration with chemists, biologists, and computational scientists. Staying current with rapidly evolving techniques, such as cryo-EM and single-molecule spectroscopy, is also essential. Addressing these challenges often involves continuous professional development, leveraging collaborative research environments, and utilizing advanced data analysis tools to ensure robust and accurate results.

What is the difference between Protein Biophysics vs Structural Biologist?

AspectProtein BiophysicsStructural Biologist
Required CredentialsDegree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related field; often PhDDegree in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or related; often PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academiaResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academia
Industry UsageStudying protein properties, interactions, dynamicsDetermining 3D structures of proteins, complexes
Common Search/ComparisonProtein Biophysics vs Structural Biologist

Protein Biophysics focuses on understanding the physical properties and behaviors of proteins, such as stability and interactions. Structural Biologists primarily determine the 3D structures of proteins to understand their function. While both roles require advanced degrees and work in research environments, Protein Biophysics emphasizes biophysical techniques, whereas Structural Biology centers on structural determination methods like X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.

Are protein biophysicists in demand?

Protein biophysicists are in demand in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms due to their expertise in understanding protein structure and dynamics. Skills in techniques like spectroscopy, microscopy, and computational modeling increase employability, and demand is expected to grow with advances in drug development and personalized medicine.

Do protein biophysicists make good money?

Protein biophysicists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000 annually, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and relevant certifications can influence earning potential.

Who hires protein biophysicists?

Protein biophysicists are typically hired by pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, research institutions, and academic laboratories. They work in environments that require expertise in techniques like spectroscopy, microscopy, and molecular modeling to study protein structure and function.
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What cities are hiring for Protein Biophysics jobs?

Cities with the most Protein Biophysics job openings:

What states have the most Protein Biophysics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Protein Biophysics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Protein Biophysics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,001 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Scientist/Sr Scientist - Protein Production and Purification

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Kodiak Sciences Inc. is a fast-growing, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming ophthalmology through innovative therapeutics. Our Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate Drug (ABCD) platform combines protein engineering, polymer chemistry, small molecule drug discovery, bioconjugation, and drug delivery to address high-prevalence ophthalmic diseases.

We are seeking a motivated and independent Protein Production Scientist/Sr. Scientist to join our Discovery Medicine group as part of the Protein Engineering team. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scientist with demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification and will play a central role in advancing our discovery and research programs. This individual will excel at developing and executing robust protein production strategies, delivering high-quality recombinant proteins that enable antibody engineering, biochemical characterization, and functional evaluation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative therapeutics within a collaborative, fast-paced, and interdisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities 

  • Design, execute, and optimize recombinant protein expression workflows for a broad range of recombinant protein targets, including antibodies, therapeutic proteins, enzymes, and research reagents, using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO) and bacterial expression platforms.
  • Develop, optimize, and execute purification processes for diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques.
  • Purify protein conjugates, including protein-polymer and protein-drug conjugates, by applying established methodologies and developing innovative purification strategies to address complex molecular formats.
  • Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of recombinant proteins using SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and complementary analytical techniques to evaluate protein quality, purity, identity, aggregation, stability, and other critical quality attributes.
  • Maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein production processes to ensure robust, reproducible expression and high-quality protein yields.
  • Plan, prioritize, and coordinate protein production activities across multiple research programs to meet project objectives and timelines.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present scientific findings and recommendations to cross-functional project teams.
  • Maintain comprehensive laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and protein inventory databases to ensure data integrity, traceability, regulatory compliance, and efficient sample management.
  • Independently manage laboratory operations, maintain equipment and reagent inventories, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance protein production, purification, and analytical workflows.

Education & Qualifications 

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, or a related discipline with 0-5 years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience; or M.S. or B.S. in related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO); experience with bacterial expression systems is preferred.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the purification of antibodies and diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques in both column- and batch-based formats.
  • Proficiency in operating, optimizing and troubleshooting protein purification platforms, including ÄKTA FPLC systems; experience with KingFisher or other automated purification platforms is highly desirable.
  • Strong foundation in protein biochemistry and hands-on experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization techniques, including SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and related analytical methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, optimize, troubleshoot, and interpret recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization experiments.
  • Proven ability to optimize protein production workflows and implement innovative approaches to improve productivity, protein quality, and throughput.
  • Excellent organization skills, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining accurate experimental records and documentation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate scientific findings across multidisciplinary research teams.