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Protein Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conduct experiments involving plant protein extraction, purification, and characterization. * Support research projects investigating plant proteins associated with food allergies and related ...

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Conduct experiments involving plant protein extraction, purification, and characterization. * Support research projects investigating plant proteins associated with food allergies and related ...

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Protein Characterization information

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$99.5K

$115.5K

$129.5K

How much do protein characterization jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein characterization in the United States is $115,505.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $129,000.00 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.

More about Protein Characterization jobs
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Infographic showing various Protein Characterization job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,505 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Protein Scientist, Assistant Director or Associate Director

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA โ€ข On-site

$144.20 - $196.44/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Protein Scientist, Assistant Director or Associate Director

Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated protein scientist for an Assistant Director or Associate Director role to lead and advance protein discovery and production efforts supporting protein-oligonucleotide conjugate programs. This role focuses on adapting ligands emerging from primary screens into robust, scalable protein fusion formats for downstream characterization, development, and larger-scale production.

Locations: Carlsbad, CA (onsite with potential for hybrid/work arrangements as applicable).

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead design, engineering, expression, purification, and characterization of protein ligands and protein fusion constructs intended for protein-oligonucleotide conjugates
  • Translate hits from primary screening campaigns into optimized lead molecules with improved expression, stability, manufacturability, and functional performance
  • Develop and execute protein production strategies, selecting fit-for-purpose platforms based on construct requirements and downstream use
  • Design fusion proteins and other engineered constructs suitable for scale-up and conjugation workflows
  • Oversee purification and analytical characterization of recombinant proteins, including assessment of integrity, aggregation, binding, and stability
  • Work closely with oligonucleotide chemistry and conjugation teams to ensure protein constructs are compatible with conjugation requirements and downstream process needs
  • Drive experimental strategy, data interpretation, and decision-making across multiple programs
  • Mentor scientists and research associates and contribute to building scientific capability in protein engineering and production
  • Present results and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams and senior leadership
  • Hands-on laboratory based effort will be expected
Requirements
  • PhD in protein science, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or related discipline, with relevant industry experience
  • For the Assistant Director position, at least 5 years of relevant industry experience
  • For the Associate Director position, at least 8 years of relevant experience
  • Significant hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification in both microbial and mammalian systems
  • Demonstrated expertise in protein engineering and design, including construct optimization for expression, stability, and function
  • Strong track record of advancing protein molecules from early discovery or screening through lead optimization and scale-up
  • Experience generating and evaluating protein fusions or other complex engineered protein formats
  • Experience with analytical methods used for protein characterization
  • Strong scientific judgment, experimental rigor, and problem-solving ability in a fast-moving research environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across disciplines
  • Excellent track record of publications
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments effectively in a quickly evolving environment
  • An entrepreneurial spirit; enthusiasm and vision for converting cutting-edge science into commercial applications
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting protein-based ligand discovery programs
  • Experience with protein constructs intended for bioconjugation or oligonucleotide conjugation
  • Familiarity with protein structure-guided design, computational design tools, or directed evolution approaches
  • Experience scaling protein production to support preclinical or development-stage studies
  • Prior leadership experience in matrixed, cross-functional research teams
  • Experience working at the interface of protein engineering, conjugation chemistry, and therapeutic platform development

For more information and to apply, please visit Ionis website and reference requisition # IONIS004044.

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package. The pay scale for this position is $144,200 to $196,444. The pay scale for the Assistant Director position is $144,200 to $176,800. The pay scale for the Associate Director position is $165,597 to $196,444.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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