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Protein Design Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

... process design/definition, engineering studies, process demonstrations, change control and ... Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Microbiology with 2 years' experience in vaccine ...

... process design/definition, engineering studies, process demonstrations, change control and ... Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Microbiology with 2 years' experience in vaccine ...

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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 Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Specialist, Engineering

Merck & Co., Inc.

De Soto, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description
For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.
Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.
Our Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products.
The function of a Specialist at Tech Hub is to provide technical support to Vaccine and Biologicals process development for Manufacturing within a multidisciplinary environment you will cooperate with your colleagues at Bioprocess Technology Solutions, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and R&D. Your main field of attention is to provide all around technological support on Vaccine and Biologicals Manufacturing of new (R&D) products.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Works as a team member on the development and scale up of processes or technologies of microbial, virus and cell cultivations, biomolecules concentration and purification and final formulation of veterinary vaccines and therapeutics.
  • Works as a team member on the transfer of processes or technologies of microbial, virus and cell cultivations, biomolecules concentration and purification and final formulation of veterinary vaccines and therapeutics to the production lines.
  • Works as a team member on the development of processes or technologies and its transfer to the production lines within the timelines set for this purpose, whereby these processes and technologies meet the requirements of the customer with regard to safety, quality, cost-efficiency, practical applicability and consistency.
  • Works as a team member on technical investigations, validation and/or process improvement projects.
  • Examines issues from diverse perspectives (safety, compliance, automation, equipment, process and people) in order to best understand and resolve the root cause.
  • Whether or not in collaboration with team members from other departments (e.g. QC, Pharmaceutical Technical Support, R&D, Production or Analytical Technical Services) gives direction to scientifically based decisions within projects aimed at the improvement of products, solving problems or development of new products.
  • If necessary, performs development, introduction and/or testing of new technologies. Collaborates and interfaces with R&D and Manufacturing and other departments to bring new products to market.
  • Works within large cross-functional teams and demonstrates working knowledge of current USDA regulatory guidelines and advanced technical knowledge.
  • Develops project charters and project plans and align with all sponsors and stakeholders. Key capabilities include standard project management activities: development of timelines, use of project tracking tools, definition of deliverables, definition of roles and responsibilities, risk identification tracking and mitigation.
  • Coordinates and tracks team activities by leading or participating in core team meetings, communicates project risks and status to appropriate stakeholders and escalates issues to sponsors as needed in advance of deviation from project plans. In concert with Commercialization, Quality, and Regulatory, support inspection readiness for new product introductions and transfers.
  • Assures consistent application of standardized work, engineering and process tools. Conducts and designs experimental protocols as needed using the Technical Operations lab facilities and/or production equipment at full scale.
  • Creates and updates technical and manufacturing documents necessary for investigations, process design/definition, engineering studies, process demonstrations, change control and validation.
  • Displays our Company's leadership behaviors and demonstrate a high emotional intelligence. Effectively collaborates with peers on site and above site as required. Contributes to international projects (Global Projects). Interacts closely with fellow scientists from your own and other departments. If required with external collaboration partners.
  • Actively contributes to the improvement or acceleration of activities within the department, also in the field of Environment Health and Safety.
  • Trains and guides employees and / or trainees.
  • Performs off-shift work (only as needed).

Education Minimum Requirement:
  • Bachelor's degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Microbiology with 2 years' experience in vaccine/biopharmaceuticals Research and Development, Process Development and/or Biological manufacturing or closely related field (or Master's degree with1 years' experience or PhD in related field).

Required Experience and Skills:
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent project management, documentation and writing skills.
  • Excellent teamwork skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to solving problems inclusive of diverse perspectives (e.g. safety, compliance).
  • Can work together in multidisciplinary and international teams.
  • May be required to work nights AND/OR weekends as needed

Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Experience in bioprocess scale up and vaccine manufacturing.
  • Working knowledge of USDA regulations.
  • Knowledge of GMP requirements for manufacture and testing of biological products.
  • Understanding of statistics and application to process monitoring and control

Required Skills:
Adaptability, Adaptability, Animal Vaccination, Biopharmaceuticals, Change Control Management, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, Data Analysis, Equipment Troubleshooting, Global Manufacturing, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Identifying Risks, Inspection Readiness, Lean Manufacturing, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, New Product Development, Personal Initiative, Process Optimization, Professional Integrity, Project Management, Protein Chemistry, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Teamwork, Technical Writing {+ 2 more}
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The salary range for this role is
$87,300.00 - $137,400.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
08/24/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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