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Protein Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eagle

Project Chemist (Mass Spectrometry)

Houston, TX · On-site

Perform routine LC-MS based assays including peptide mapping, intact mass analysis and protein ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

Twist Bioscience

Protein Scientist

Portland, OR · On-site

D. in Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or M.S. with 2-5 years of relevant industry experience. * Strong hands-on experience in protein purification and ...

Eagle

Project Chemist (Mass Spectrometry)

Houston, TX · On-site

Perform routine LC-MS based assays including peptide mapping, intact mass analysis and protein ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

Twist Bioscience

Protein Scientist

Portland, OR · On-site

D. in Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or M.S. with 2-5 years of relevant industry experience. * Strong hands-on experience in protein purification and ...

Novartis

Senior Scientist, Protein Production

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

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How much do protein chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for protein chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a protein chemist do?

A protein chemist is a scientist who studies the structure, function, and interactions of proteins. Their work often involves isolating, purifying, and analyzing proteins using techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Protein chemists play a key role in developing pharmaceuticals, understanding diseases, and advancing biotechnology by manipulating proteins for various applications. They may work in academic research, pharmaceutical companies, or biotechnology firms. Their expertise is essential in fields like drug discovery, diagnostics, and agricultural science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protein chemist?

A Protein Chemist requires strong expertise in protein purification, characterization, and analytical techniques, supported by an advanced degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with chromatography systems, mass spectrometry, and software for data analysis is typically essential, along with knowledge of laboratory safety protocols. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills that set top professionals apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, driving research innovation, and contributing to successful scientific collaboration.

What is the difference between Protein Chemist vs Biochemist?

AspectProtein ChemistBiochemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field; lab experienceBachelor's or Master's in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field; lab experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsResearch labs, healthcare, academic institutions
Industry UsageFocuses on protein structure, function, and interactionsStudies broader biochemical processes, including proteins, enzymes, and metabolic pathways

Protein Chemists and Biochemists often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Protein Chemists specialize specifically in proteins, their structures, and functions, while Biochemists study a wider range of biochemical processes. Both roles are vital in research and development within biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

What are some common challenges a protein chemist faces when expressing and purifying novel proteins?

Protein Chemists often encounter difficulties with low protein yield, aggregation, or instability during the expression and purification of novel proteins. These challenges require troubleshooting expression systems, optimizing purification protocols, and sometimes engineering the protein sequence for solubility. Collaboration with molecular biologists and analytical teams is key to overcoming these obstacles, as is staying current with new techniques and technologies in protein science.
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Protein Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protein Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Sr Principal Scientist, R&D - Protein Chemist

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Mentor a team of research and development professionals as an SME, overseeing research and development projects and studies in order to investigate relationships, solve technical problems, and develop new solutions for a specific application or within a specific branch of science. Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering/scientific techniques, processes, and criteria.Job Description
Sr. Principal Scientist, R&D - Protein Chemist
Job Purpose
The Kraft Heinz Next Generation Ingredients R&D team is seeking a highly motivated and experienced applied Protein Chemist to join our team in Glenview, IL. This role is central to our mission of developing innovative, high-quality food products that leverage the functional and nutritional benefits of dairy and meat proteins. As a senior research leader within our team, you will use your deep technical expertise in protein chemistry to inform product design, optimize processes, and provide strategic direction on ingredient interactions, ingredient/process interactions, and strategy around protein ingredients across the Kraft Heinz portfolio. This role requires a strong technical background, intellectual curiosity, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. This is a great opportunity for a technical expert that is looking to thrive in both the lab and business setting.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Apply your knowledge of protein functionality (e.g., emulsification, gelation, water binding) to improve food texture, stability, and performance.

  • Lead formulation and application work using dairy and meat proteins in products such as sauces, snacks, desserts, cheese, dairy-based beverages, and meat systems. Additional experience or ability to translate knowledge to plant-based proteins is a plus.

  • Partners with Product Development, Process Engineering, Nutrition, Regulatory, and Marketing teams to support product innovation from concept through commercialization.

  • Evaluate new protein ingredients and technologies from suppliers and academic partners; identify opportunities for joint research and technology scouting.

  • Support scale-up and manufacturing by addressing protein-related processing challenges.

  • Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the protein ingredient landscape, including emerging technologies (e.g., enzymatic modification, fermentation-derived proteins, hybrid protein systems).

  • Design and execute experiments to generate data on protein behavior under various processing and storage conditions.

  • Maintain detailed documentation of experimental protocols and results.

  • Prepare and file Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs) to document novel technologies and support patent filings; conduct patent landscape analyses to assess freedom-to-operate, competitive activity, and whitespace opportunities, and translate findings into actionable R&D and innovation strategy

  • Stay current on protein science, food regulations, and consumer trends to inform application strategies and maintain relevant external network

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • Bachelor's with minimum 8 years relevant industry experience OR Master's with minimum 7 years relevant industry experience OR PhD with minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience in applied protein chemistry or food formulation, with a focus on dairy and/or meat proteins. Degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Dairy/Meat Science, or a related field is highly preferred.

  • Fundamental understanding of protein structure, from the primary amino acid sequence through secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

  • Strong understanding of how proteins behave in real food systems and during processing.

  • Deep expertise in protein characterization and protein-based ingredient interactions, including protein-protein interactions, protein-carbohydrate interactions, and protein-lipid interactions, and the analytical and modeling approaches used to study them.

  • Experience with adjacent ingredient fundamentals and their interaction, specifically to proteins, dairy, and non-dairy, and/or enzymes.

  • Strong grasp of food industry trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements.

  • Experience with pilot plant trials, ingredient functionality testing, and cross-functional product development.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to translate science into practical solutions.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and engage non-technical audiences.

  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity, navigate ambiguity, and think creatively.

  • Possess excellent industry external ecosystem, with experience establishing and leading collaborative research with outside partners.

Work Environment
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center.
Physical Requirements
Physical demands include but are not limited to:
  • Work is performed in an R&D Innovation Center laboratory, with occasional pilot plant exposure.

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50 lbs (e.g., ingredient containers, lab apparatus, sample boxes).

  • Frequent use of hands for fine motor tasks such as measuring, weighing, labeling, and operating laboratory instruments.

  • Frequent repetitive motion, including handling tools, containers, and data entry.

  • Occasional bending, crouching, or stooping to access low storage, equipment, or sample placement.

  • Must be able to wear and utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$120,800.00 - $151,000.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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