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Protein Design Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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ABOUT FLOVISION SOLUTIONS FloVision Solutions is a remote-first startup focused on improving the food supply chain, starting with protein processing. We design computer vision and machine learning ...

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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.

What job categories do people searching Protein Design jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Protein Design jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Protein Design jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Protein Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Protein Design job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Postdoctoral Scholar

Portland, OR

Oregon Health & Science University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department Overview

This posting is for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship focused on the structure and function of membrane proteins, with an emphasis on ligand-gated ion channels. The successful candidate will contribute to studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ion channel function, gating, and pharmacology through an integrated combination of biochemical, functional, and structural approaches.

The Mansoor Lab studies the molecular structure and function of ion channels and receptors, with the broader goal of understanding fundamental mechanisms of membrane protein function and leveraging these insights toward the development of novel pharmacological approaches. Typical techniques and experiments in the lab include, but are not limited to, molecular biology, mammalian tissue culture, heterologous protein expression, membrane protein expression and purification, electrophysiology, and high-resolution structural biology. Applicants should have prior experience with protein expression and purification and be comfortable working with membrane proteins for structure-function studies. Experience with mammalian tissue culture and heterologous mammalian expression systems is highly desirable. Experience studying ligand-gated ion channels, including familiarity with two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) and/or whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, is also desirable. Previous experience with high-resolution structural biology techniques, such as X-ray crystallography and/or single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, is preferred.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Primary Research (including planning, granting, execution, analysis, publication).
  • Maintain laboratory compliance documentation for human, animal, biological and radiological work.
  • Be familiar with lab safety infrastructure and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
  • Interact with biosafety, chemical safety, and safety officers on behalf of the Principal Investigator.
  • Generate data and research analysis for investigator's use in preparation of technical reports and publications.
  • Assist the PI with manuscript preparation and grant applications.
  • Present, or assist in the presentation of, research projects at retreats, seminars, conferences and other OHSU or public venues.
  • Providing training to users on lab practices and protocols, including sample preparation and instrumentation use.
  • Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook of all experiments performed. Participate in lab meeting.
  • Training of lab personnel and supervision of Research Assistants, students and other lab members.
  • Perform routine lab operations, including but not limited to the purchase of laboratory supplies, monitoring supplies and maintaining all laboratory equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in biological sciences.
  • Experience purifying membrane proteins.
  • Experience with heterologous mammalian expression systems.
  • Some structural biology experience (preferably cryo-EM).
  • Experience with model building.

Skills and Abilities

  • Experimental design and interpretation of results.
  • Basic molecular biological methods of DNA manipulation and analysis.
  • Knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry.
  • Experience with cryo-EM data processing and model building.
  • Basic protein analysis techniques such as western blots, immunoprecipitation and immunostaining skills, mammalian cell culture.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong scientific curiosity, problemsolving skills and research integrity.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Demonstrated success working independently and as a member of a collaborative team.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats.
  • Working knowledge of office computer applications, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in electrophysiology or Biochemistry.
  • Experience purifying membrane proteins.
  • Independent graduate-level research in the electrophysiology of ligand-gated ion channels.
  • Experience with TEVC and/or whole cell patch clamp systems.
  • Programming using Unix.
  • Knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry.
  • Two electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) experiments.
  • Whole cell patch clamp experiments.
Additional Details

Position is located at the OHSU Marquam Hill campus in Portland, Oregon. The work schedule will be set by the supervising faculty, dictated by the needs of the research and planned experiments. Working evenings, weekends and extended hours may be required depending on the needs of the research. Work environment is in an open wet lab, in the presence of laboratory chemicals and automated equipment.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887