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Protein Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Edison Scientific, Inc.

$120 - $160/hr

We are an ambitious team run by scientists and engineers from leading institutions across biology, physics, chemistry, and AI. Role We're looking for a Protein Engineer to join our Forward Deployed ...

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How much do protein chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.

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.

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What states have the most Protein Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Protein Chemist jobs include:

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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 82% Full Time, 15% 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.

Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering

Zealandpharma

Cambridge, MA

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Does it excite you to build a strong foundation in modern protein purification and analytical technologies, and are you eager to grow your scientific career from the ground up? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to develop your skills in a new discovery organization, then you could be our new colleague.

Your new position
As an Associate Scientist or Scientist in Protein Purification and Analysis, you will play a foundational role supporting discovery programs through hands-on purification, analytical characterization, and data generation for protein-based therapeutics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build technical proficiency in modern purification and analytical technologies at the inception of our new Cambridge, MA research center. This role suits a scientist earlier in their career with a foundational understanding of protein purification and analytical techniques, scientific curiosity, and a strong desire to grow in scope and responsibility.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

  • Support purification of recombinant proteins to assist discovery programs from early research through lead-series selection
  • Assist with FPLC-based purification workflows, including size-exclusion (SEC), ion-exchange (IEX), and affinity chromatography, at analytical scale, under supervision
  • Perform basic analytical characterization to help confirm protein identity, purity, and concentration using standard analytical techniques
  • Support the routine execution of established purification and analytical workflows within Molecular Platform Development
  • Learn and apply automated and high-throughput purification and analytical workflow procedures
  • Assist senior colleagues with troubleshooting of routine purification and analytical issues, while building scientific and technical skills through feedback and mentorship

Your profile
You are early in your career, with a foundational understanding of protein purification and analytical techniques and a strong desire to grow in scope and responsibility. You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and are eager to learn from senior colleagues while contributing to discovery programs from day one. You communicate experimental data and results clearly and accurately.

  • BS or MS in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field (Associate Scientist); PhD preferred (Scientist)
  • 1-2 years of relevant experience in protein purification and/or analytical chemistry (Associate Scientist); 2-3 years of relevant industry experience preferred (Scientist), depending on degree level
  • Foundational to working knowledge of protein purification techniques, such as FPLC-based chromatography (SEC, IEX, affinity)
  • Foundational to working knowledge of analytical characterization methods used to assess protein identity, purity, and concentration
  • Familiarity with standard laboratory practices for handling and analyzing protein samples
  • Willingness to learn additional techniques, including mass spectrometry, biophysical characterization, and automated/high-throughput workflows

Your new team
You will join Molecular Platform Development, a new organization created to strengthen and advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease, based at our new Cambridge, MA research center. The site is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary discovery hub integrating computational research, chemistry, and biology, and is deeply connected to the Greater Boston life sciences ecosystem.

Let's bond and be bold
We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture.

Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other. We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let's bond and be bold.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $125,000

Interested in bonding with us? The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.

About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on advancing medicines for obesity and metabolic health. Combining more than 25 years of peptide R&D expertise with a proprietary data platform that leverages advanced data-driven and AI/ML approaches, Zealand Pharma aims to lead a new era in obesity and metabolic health. To date, more than ten Zealand Pharma-invented drug candidates have entered clinical development, of which two products have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The Company has collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners for research, development, and commercialization. Founded in 1998, Zealand Pharma is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a U.S. presence in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.

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