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Protein Design Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Protein Design information

What is protein design?

Protein design is the process of creating new proteins or modifying existing ones to have specific functions or properties. This can involve using computational tools, laboratory techniques, or a combination of both to predict and engineer amino acid sequences that will fold into desired three-dimensional structures. Protein design is used in various fields, including medicine, biotechnology, and research, to develop novel enzymes, therapeutics, or materials. The field requires a strong understanding of biology, chemistry, and computer science to achieve successful outcomes.

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 a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational modeling, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Proficiency with tools such as Rosetta, PyMOL, and molecular dynamics simulation software, as well as experience with protein expression and purification techniques, is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills to drive innovation and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for designing functional proteins, troubleshooting experiments, and advancing research goals in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in protein design, and how are they addressed within a team setting?

Professionals in protein design often encounter challenges such as predicting accurate protein folding, ensuring stability, and achieving desired biological activity. These complexities are typically addressed through close collaboration with computational biologists, structural biologists, and experimental scientists. Teams frequently hold cross-functional meetings to troubleshoot issues, share findings, and iterate on design strategies based on laboratory results. This collaborative environment helps leverage diverse expertise and accelerates the development of novel proteins with desired functions.

What is the difference between Protein Design vs Protein Engineering?

AspectProtein DesignProtein Engineering
Required CredentialsBiochemistry, Molecular Biology, BioinformaticsBiochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academiaResearch labs, biotech companies, academia
Industry UsageDesigning novel proteins, drug development, synthetic biologyModifying existing proteins for improved function or stability

Protein Design focuses on creating new proteins with specific functions, often using computational methods. Protein Engineering involves modifying existing proteins to enhance or alter their properties. Both roles require similar skills and are used in research, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries, but their goals differ: one designs from scratch, the other optimizes existing proteins.

Infographic showing various Protein Design job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Engineer Associate - Multiple Locations

Cargill

High River, AB • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 225 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Cargills size and scale allows us to make a positive impact in the world. Our purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.
We are a family company providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products that are vital for living. We connect farmers with markets so they can prosper. We connect customers with ingredients so they can make meals people love. And we connect families with daily essentials from eggs to edible oils, salt to skincare, feed to alternative fuel. Our 160,000 colleagues, operating in 70 countries, make essential products that touch billions of lives each day. Join us and reach your higher purpose at Cargill.

At a Glance:

All candidates must complete Cargills online application prior to interviewing.Below you will find a link that will direct you to complete the application for this position.To be considered for employment with Cargill, you must apply online and complete the entire application process, along with an e-signature. Please complete your application as soon as possible.

Please note, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis with the possibility of filling the role before the application deadline. Please submit your application as soon as possible, so it may be reviewed to be considered for the position.

Your Role

Connect to meaningful work. Feed the world. Achieve your higher purpose.

What if your ideas could nourish the world? As an associate, we transfer your knowledge and skills into profound experiences that positively impact our global community. From food to transportation, your innovative solutions, collaboration and dedication will evolve industries to take on tomorrow's greatest challenges. And that's just the beginning! Because when your skills meet our unrivaled network and breadth of opportunity, your career is without bounds. Join our community to realize the impact of your work, help people around the world, and connect with something greater.

Your Work:

Starting your career, you will work in one of our many production facilitieslocatedin communities acrossthe Canada. There, you will lead production or maintenance employees, project teams, contractors or technical operations teamsexecuting oncritical initiatives and projects in a fast-paced, production environment. Although business processes vary, the design of the Engineer role is to provideappropriate exposureto thepeoplemanagement and technical aspects of engineering.

Engineers begin their career in one of manydifferent roleswithin our diverse businesses including: Agricultural Supply Chain North America, Cocoa and Chocolate, Deicing Technology,Global Edible Oil Solutions North America, Industrial Specialties, Protein, Salt, Starches and Sweeteners and Texturizing Solutions. The intent of the Engineer role is to allow individuals to be exposed to the technical and management aspects of engineering, while beginning to develop aninterest forlonger term career aspirations. Our Engineers will start in an Operations Leadership or Maintenance & Reliability Engineering role. What lies ahead is a career path that could include any of the following areas:

Production Management Engineers:

Lead people, process, and input/product in a plant environment. They will be involved in day-to-day direct supervision of operators and production activities andparticipatein daily production management meetings. Engineers mustcomprehend, administer, and run all aspects of government regulations and compliance programs including environmental, health, safety, maintenance, and housekeeping. Production Management Engineers typically lead teams of production employees within the first two years of their careers and have responsibility for hiring, scheduling, motivating, and handling employee relation issues. They will also be involvedin process optimization,equipmentand process reliability, and may manage capital projects

Process / Project Engineers:

Responsible for business case development, vendor selection, budget management, and project management responsibilities for major projects and improvements involving process optimization, safety, quality, infrastructure, and energy use. They have heavy involvement with various innovation processes, idea generation systems, and reliability centered design, and they help implement technical initiatives drivenfromglobal Process Development Groups, Centers of Excellence, and Research & Development.

Maintenance & Reliability Engineers:

Lead people,processesand assets related to the effective operation of facility production and utility assets ensuring uptime andrepairscosts areoptimized. Day-to-day supervision of skilledtradespeople to run planned and unplanned work activities related to asset performance and uptime. Responsible for theshort and long termplanning activities including weekly maintenance activities, capital projects and process improvement utilizing tools such as: Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5S and 5-Why to the prevention of asset failures

Environment:
  • The plant environment is collaborative,fast-paced, and hands-on
  • Our environment will focus on Safety, Employee Engagement,Inclusionand Innovation. Plants are industrial/processing environments
  • This role requires the associate to learn about the business through performing critical tasks executed within the production environment and will involve physical activity in our food, and/or grain processing facilities. Thisgenerally requiresa moderate amount of physical exertion on afairly regularbasis. The work may also involve other conditions or exposures (i.e.heat, cold, grain dust, etc.).
Our Benefits:

No matter who you are or where you are,wevedesigned our plans and programs to meet your needs. We want to help you take care ofwhatsneeded for today and offer protection to help with tomorrows what-ifs.Youllhave access to a wide variety of flexible and inclusive programs to meet your health, financial, and work/life needs to support you and help yousucceed.Learn more and explore Cargills comprehensive and competitive benefits program at:Your Benefits | Cargill

Our Vibrant Community:

At Cargill, you will be a part of our vibrant global community with a culture that celebrates diversity. Thisis a reflection ofthe clients we serve andgeneratesan intellectually diverse set of employees. Business Resource Groups (BRGs) help us embrace our diversity, make our culture moreinclusiveand enhance our employees outstanding talents and perspectives tobenefitour organization and employees.Learn more at:Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. What a difference three words make. | Cargill

Job Locations:
  • High River, AB
  • Clavet, SK
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural, biological systems, chemical, electrical, mechanical, mining, or other engineeringfield, graduating between December 2026and August 2027.
  • Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from a diverse group of backgrounds
  • Willing and able to relocate
  • Ability to contribute, both as part of a team and individually
  • Strong communicationskills written and oral
  • Must be legally entitled to work for Cargill in Canada
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previousplant, production, co-op, or intern experience
  • Ability to relate technical knowledge to job-related duties
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems and make decisions independently
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and experience

Cargill is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing accommodation to our job applicants with disabilities.


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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US