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Protein Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manifold Bio

Scientist, Bioconjugation

Boston, MA · On-site

$118K - $138K/yr

Position Manifold Bio is seeking a scientist experienced in protein chemistry, oligonucleotide chemistry, and bioconjugation. You will be responsible for designing and executing bioconjugation ...

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How much do protein chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

Scientist/Sr Scientist - Protein Production and Purification

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Kodiak Sciences Inc. is a fast-growing, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming ophthalmology through innovative therapeutics. Our Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate Drug (ABCD) platform combines protein engineering, polymer chemistry, small molecule drug discovery, bioconjugation, and drug delivery to address high-prevalence ophthalmic diseases.

We are seeking a motivated and independent Protein Production Scientist/Sr. Scientist to join our Discovery Medicine group as part of the Protein Engineering team. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scientist with demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification and will play a central role in advancing our discovery and research programs. This individual will excel at developing and executing robust protein production strategies, delivering high-quality recombinant proteins that enable antibody engineering, biochemical characterization, and functional evaluation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative therapeutics within a collaborative, fast-paced, and interdisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities 

  • Design, execute, and optimize recombinant protein expression workflows for a broad range of recombinant protein targets, including antibodies, therapeutic proteins, enzymes, and research reagents, using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO) and bacterial expression platforms.
  • Develop, optimize, and execute purification processes for diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques.
  • Purify protein conjugates, including protein-polymer and protein-drug conjugates, by applying established methodologies and developing innovative purification strategies to address complex molecular formats.
  • Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of recombinant proteins using SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and complementary analytical techniques to evaluate protein quality, purity, identity, aggregation, stability, and other critical quality attributes.
  • Maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein production processes to ensure robust, reproducible expression and high-quality protein yields.
  • Plan, prioritize, and coordinate protein production activities across multiple research programs to meet project objectives and timelines.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present scientific findings and recommendations to cross-functional project teams.
  • Maintain comprehensive laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and protein inventory databases to ensure data integrity, traceability, regulatory compliance, and efficient sample management.
  • Independently manage laboratory operations, maintain equipment and reagent inventories, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance protein production, purification, and analytical workflows.

Education & Qualifications 

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, or a related discipline with 0-5 years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience; or M.S. or B.S. in related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO); experience with bacterial expression systems is preferred.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the purification of antibodies and diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques in both column- and batch-based formats.
  • Proficiency in operating, optimizing and troubleshooting protein purification platforms, including ÄKTA FPLC systems; experience with KingFisher or other automated purification platforms is highly desirable.
  • Strong foundation in protein biochemistry and hands-on experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization techniques, including SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and related analytical methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, optimize, troubleshoot, and interpret recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization experiments.
  • Proven ability to optimize protein production workflows and implement innovative approaches to improve productivity, protein quality, and throughput.
  • Excellent organization skills, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining accurate experimental records and documentation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate scientific findings across multidisciplinary research teams.

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