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Protein Characterization Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Medra

Research Associate - Protein

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

Actalent

Scientist II, Protein Modification

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Perform analytical testing and characterization, including SDS-PAGE and other protein quality assessments. * Monitor process performance and evaluate chromatography data to ensure product quality and ...

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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 Aug 29, 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?

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 does a protein characterization specialist do?

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 protein characterization?

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 does protein characterization mean?

Protein characterization is a process used in the field of protein analysis to identify and analyze the structure, function, and properties of a protein. It involves techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, and electrophoresis to determine amino acid sequences, post-translational modifications, and protein interactions, which are essential for research and development in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

What are popular job titles related to Protein Characterization jobs in California?

For Protein Characterization jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Protein Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protein Characterization job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,992 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Research Associate - Protein

Medra

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

What We're Building
At Medra, our mission is to use AI, robotics, and biology to accelerate life science research, with the ultimate goal of eradicating disease. We have been quietly building the foundational layers of our Physical AI Scientist platform:
Physical AI that can operate scientific instruments with human-level dexterity. Scientific AI that can analyze results, reason about next steps, and close the loop autonomously.
This is an incredibly ambitious mission, but we believe that a team of ambitious people with high ownership can accomplish incredible things.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly hands-on Research Associate to join our team and support protein science and cell biology workflows on the Medra Physical AI platform. This is a role for someone who loves being at the bench - someone who has spent years honing their craft in a fast-paced industry lab and takes pride in rigorous, reproducible science.
You will work closely with scientists and roboticists to execute, validate, and optimize protein characterization workflows and cell-based assays as part of our autonomous lab platform. You thrive when given a specific task to own end-to-end, and you bring the experience and intuition to operate independently.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute protein expression experiments across multiple host systems (e.g., mammalian, E. coli, cell-free) at various scales, from small-scale screens to larger production runs
  • 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 targets and assess functional activity.
  • Own day-to-day operation and organization of the cell culture facility, including routine passaging using sterile technique, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELN), and contribute to SOP development
  • Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members to ensure smooth handoffs and timely execution across the protein screening and characterization workflow.

What You Bring to the Team
  • B.S. or B.A., or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
  • 2-4 years (M.S.) or 4-6 (B.S./B.A. )years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science - we value deep bench experience over advanced degrees
  • Demonstrated expertise in protein expression using mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems
  • Strong hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization.
  • Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays in an industry setting, including flow cytometry.
  • Strong documentation habits, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently on defined tasks
  • A scrappy, can-do attitude - you figure things out and get things done

Bonus Points For
  • Familiarity with developability assessment assays (HIC, AC-SINS, PSR, or similar)
  • Familiarity with analytical characterization techniques such as HPLC-SEC, HPLC-HIC, or FACS-based binding assays
  • Familiarity with imaging-based cell assays (e.g., high-content imaging, fluorescence microscopy)
  • Experience with cell-free protein expression or specialized enzyme workflows
  • Comfort working with lab automation or robotics platforms

This position is 100% in-person; you must be able to come on-site to our San Francisco office. We offer relocation benefits for applicants who need to relocate.
What We Offer
  • An opportunity to change the way that scientific research happens
  • Fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment
  • Significant equity ownership
  • 401k
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Weekday dinners

Apply