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Protein Design Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will work closely with senior scientists to: * Design and execute high throughput protein characterization experiments * Develop and optimize binding assays (including SPR and related platforms)

Protein Designer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

The scientist in this role will work to independently plan protein design projects, apply our tools and their ideas to generate proteins, and evaluate the biological function of the proteins they ...

Career Category Scientific Join Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients At Amgen, if you feel likeyou ... Protein Design Product Owner What you will do Let'sdo this.Let'schange the world.Within Amgen ...

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Protein Design Scientist information

What does a protein design scientist do?

A Protein Design Scientist specializes in engineering and creating novel proteins or modifying existing ones to achieve specific functions, such as improved stability, activity, or therapeutic properties. They use computational modeling, bioinformatics, and laboratory techniques to predict and test protein structures and behaviors. Their work is essential in fields like drug discovery, biotechnology, and synthetic biology, where custom-designed proteins can solve complex biological problems. Protein Design Scientists often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to bring innovative solutions from concept to application.

How does a protein design scientist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new proteins?

Protein Design Scientists frequently work closely with molecular biologists, computational chemists, and bioinformaticians to design and optimize novel proteins. Collaboration often involves participating in team meetings to discuss experimental data, sharing insights from computational modeling, and coordinating laboratory work to validate design hypotheses. Close teamwork ensures that the designed proteins meet project goals, such as enhanced stability or specific biochemical functions, and seamless communication is key to integrating feedback from multiple disciplines throughout the development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protein design scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protein Design Scientist, you need expertise in molecular biology, protein engineering, and structural bioinformatics, typically supported by a PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. Proficiency with computational modeling tools such as Rosetta, molecular dynamics software, and techniques like X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM is essential. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills help drive innovation and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing novel proteins with desired functions and advancing therapeutic or industrial applications.

What is the difference between Protein Design Scientist vs Structural Biologist?

AspectProtein Design ScientistStructural Biologist
Required CredentialsPhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related fieldsPhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech, pharmaceutical companies focusing on protein engineeringResearch labs, academia, biotech focusing on protein structure determination
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharma, research institutionsAcademic, biotech, pharmaceutical sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Protein Design Scientist and a Structural Biologist lies in their focus. Protein Design Scientists primarily engineer and modify proteins to achieve specific functions, often using computational tools. Structural Biologists, on the other hand, study the 3D structures of proteins to understand their function and interactions. While both roles require advanced degrees and work in similar environments, their core objectives differ: design versus structural analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Protein Design Scientist jobs?

For Protein Design Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Protein Design Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Research Scientist - Protein Design & Analysis

On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About SPOC Biosciences

SPOC Biosciences is building the next-generation drug discovery & lab-in-the-loop protein design platform that integrates on-chip protein synthesis, high-resolution kinetic measurements and best in class engineering & automation. Our goal is to supercharge the discovery of next-generation biologics and accelerate AI drug design.

We collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies, AI drug discovery startups, and academic institutions to advance therapeutics development.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Research Scientist (PhD or Postdoctoral level) with strong training in protein biochemistry and molecular biology. This role requires independent scientific judgment, strong assay development skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment. This role is ideal for recent PhD graduates or postdocs who are excited to apply rigorous experimental science to AI-enabled drug discovery.

You will work closely with senior scientists to:

  • Design and execute high throughput protein characterization experiments
  • Develop and optimize binding assays (including SPR and related platforms)
  • Generate high quality quantitative interaction data sets
  • Contribute to validation of AI-designed protein and antibody binders
  • Analyze experimental data and produce high quality visualization and reports
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Protein Engineering, or related field (recent graduates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply)
  • Wet lab experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, with particular emphasis on independent assay design
  • Experience studying or computational modeling of protein-protein or protein-antibody interactions
  • Strong foundation in experimental design and data analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Postdoctoral research experience is welcomed but not required.
Nice to Have
  • Experience with Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) or other quantitative binding techniques
  • Familiarity with high-throughput assay development
  • Exposure to De novo AI design of protein or antibody binders
  • Expression and characterization of membrane proteins and/or PTMs
  • Computational protein modelling and Analysis
  • Basic programming (Python, R, or similar) & use of AI coding tools
What You’ll Gain
  • Direct experience at the intersection of experimental protein science and AI-driven design
  • Mentorship from experienced scientists and startup leadership
  • Exposure to collaborations with pharma and leading AI drug discovery companies
  • Opportunity to contribute to publications and high-impact scientific outputs
  • Fast learning curve in a growing biotech startup
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Equity (stock options)
  • Company-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with 3% company match
  • Onsite fitness center
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