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Protein Characterization Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role will primarily support the Induced Proximity Platform by executing established protein production and characterization workflows. The individual will contribute to multiple protein ...

Analytical Scientist I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

A successful candidate will bring an outcome-oriented skillset to recombinant protein quantification and characterization. This role will be based on-site in Emeryville, CA. Key Responsibilities

New

Showing results 41-60

Protein Characterization information

See California salary details

$98.2K

$114K

$127.8K

How much do protein characterization jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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.

Infographic showing various Protein Characterization job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,992 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Scientist, Membrane Protein Biochemistry

Amgen

South San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Career CategoryScientificJob DescriptionJoin Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions.

As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Scientist, Membrane Protein Biochemistry

What you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will design strategies for recombinant production of polytopic membrane protein (MP) targets and purify MPs into stable formulations with detailed analytical characterization. This role will also include opportunities to develop capabilities that increase the success rates of large-molecule and small-molecule therapeutic discovery programs.

This is an onsite laboratory position at our South San Francisco site.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Independently devise and implement state-of-the-art membrane protein production strategies through conducting laboratory experiments with rigorous documentation and emphasis on quality of deliverables
  • Analyze and interpret scientific data with the intent to communicate results to audiences with diverse scientific backgrounds
  • Collaborate with other scientists to plan methodological approaches, necessary resources, timelines, and milestones to drive defined projects forward
  • Additional responsibilities include keeping current in membrane protein expertise to advise supervisors and colleagues on future membrane protein technology development strategies
What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Scientist we seek is a Researcher with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline

OR

Master's degree and 2 years of relevant laboratory experience

OR

Bachelor's degree and 4 years of relevant laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. plus 0-2 years of relevant postdoctoral experience
  • Demonstration of independent design, execution, and interpretation of experiments and results, as exemplified by a solid publication record with first-author publication(s)
  • Proven expertise with AKTA systems and analytical methods for membrane protein characterization using quality-focused analytical methods such as HPLC/UPLC (SEC, fSEC), spectroscopy, or mass spectrometry.
  • Proven expertise in structural biology or dissection of MP molecular pharmacology is a plus
  • Excellent communication skills (both written and oral), leadership skills and the ability to work well in teams in a fast-paced environment
What you can expect from us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.

careers.amgen.com

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Salary Range

121,792.25USD -164,777.75USD