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Protein Characterization Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Run protein characterization assays, including SPR, BLI, DSF/DSC, and various developability assays. * Perform cell-based binding and functional assays to evaluate candidates against cell-surface ...

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Protein Characterization information

See California salary details

$98.2K

$114K

$127.8K

How much do protein characterization jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein characterization in California is $113,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,700.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Protein Characterization job?

A Protein Characterization job involves analyzing the physical, chemical, and structural properties of proteins to understand their function, stability, and interactions. Scientists in this role use techniques like chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, and electrophoresis to assess protein purity, folding, and activity. This work is essential in drug development, biotechnology, and academic research to ensure proteins are properly identified and function as intended.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a professional specializing in protein characterization?

As a protein characterization specialist, your daily work often involves designing and performing experiments to analyze protein structure, purity, and function using techniques like mass spectrometry, SDS-PAGE, and chromatography. You may also be responsible for preparing sample reports, maintaining laboratory instruments, and documenting results in accordance with regulatory standards. Collaboration with research scientists, quality control teams, or process development colleagues is common to ensure seamless integration of findings into larger projects. These activities require a methodical approach and a knack for troubleshooting technical challenges. Over time, you'll contribute to the development of new products or therapies and gain experience that can lead to advanced technical or supervisory roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protein Characterization position, and why are they important?

To excel in Protein Characterization, a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical techniques is essential, typically supported by a relevant degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.). Familiarity with mass spectrometry, HPLC, electrophoresis, and software such as Microsoft Excel or specialized analysis tools is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help set top performers apart in this field. Mastery of these abilities ensures accurate interpretation of complex data and effective collaboration within research or development teams.

What job categories do people searching Protein Characterization jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Protein Characterization jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Protein Characterization job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,992 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

$93K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Band

Level 3


Job Description Summary

Come help us discover innovative therapeutic breakthroughs for patients! 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, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and electron microscopy.
As a Protein Scientist, you will focus primarily on the production of proteins to enable structure-guided drug discovery for multiple disease areas. Your responsibilities will include designing protein constructs, carrying out expression in various cell systems, developing methodologies for purification, and protein characterization using biophysical and structural techniques. You will closely collaborate with colleagues within our group and across disease areas to tackle challenging drug discovery projects, contributing to the advancement of early-stage drug development.


Job Description

Internal Job Title: Senior Scientist I/II

Location: onsite, San Diego, CA

About the role:

Come help us discover innovative therapeutic breakthroughs for patients! 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, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and electron microscopy.

As a Protein Scientist, you will focus primarily on the production of proteins to enable structure-guided drug discovery for multiple disease areas. Your responsibilities will include designing protein constructs, carrying out expression in various cell systems, developing methodologies for purification, and protein characterization using biophysical and structural techniques. You will closely collaborate with colleagues within our group and across disease areas to tackle challenging drug discovery projects, contributing to the advancement of early-stage drug development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute protocols to generate high-quality protein reagents for small molecule screening, hit validation, and structural biology studies of protein-small molecule complexes.

  • Design protein constructs based on literature and AI-based structure prediction tools.

  • Express protein expression in mammalian and insect cell systems.

  • Purify protein purification using various chromatography techniques and FPLC equipment.

  • Collaborate with colleagues to characterize protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions using biophysical and structural biology techniques.

  • Apply critical thinking to troubleshoot experiments and design new approaches.

  • Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature and accurate and detailed record keeping.

  • Work both independently and collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams.

  • Present and communicate results with protein science colleagues and project teams.

Essential Requirements:

  • BS/MS degree in biochemistry, life sciences, molecular biology or related field with at least 5+ years of relevant research laboratory experience.

  • Proven in-depth knowledge with hands-on experience in recombinant protein construct design and expression, including insect cell and mammalian expression systems.

  • Proficiency in different protein purification techniques such as affinity, ion exchange, and gel filtration chromatography using FPLC or HPLC systems.

  • Understanding of protein characterization as well as protein-ligand interactions using biophysical methods (e.g., SPR, DSF, ITC, LC/MS).

  • Demonstrated critical thinking and troubleshooting ability when handling challenging proteins such as aggregated proteins, multicomponent complexes, or membrane proteins.

  • Passionate about biomedical research and drug discovery. Motivated to learn new techniques in protein biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology.

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to work effectively in a matrix team environment.

Desirable Requirements:

  • Experience in protein crystallography, bio-NMR, or cryo-EM, either directly or working closely with others.

  • Experience in biophysical methods to characterize protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year for Senior Scientist I, and $98,700 and $183,300 for Senior Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills andexperience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the publishedsalary range based on company and market factors.


Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of therole, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.


US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life anddisability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Inaddition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,holidays and other leaves.


To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com call +1 (877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings


Salary Range

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00


Skills Desired

Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills (Inactive), Curious Mindset, Data (Inactive), Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Laboratory (Inactive), Leading Project Teams, Lifesciences (Inactive), Machine Learning (ML), Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research {+ 11 more}