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Protein Design Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Post Doc Res Assoc

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

Computational and AI approaches: microprotein bioinformatics, multi-omic integration, protein language models, generative sequence design, and model interpretability (e.g., SHAP, attention mapping)

Varsity Tutors

Biochemistry Tutor

Logan, UT · Remote

$40/hr

... protein purification strategies, and interpreting gel electrophoresis results. Emphasizes molecular-level reasoning and connects biochemistry to drug design, clinical diagnostics, and genetic disease ...

Varsity Tutors

Biochemistry Tutor

Cedar City, UT · Remote

$40/hr

... protein purification strategies, and interpreting gel electrophoresis results. Emphasizes molecular-level reasoning and connects biochemistry to drug design, clinical diagnostics, and genetic disease ...

Varsity Tutors

Biochemistry Tutor

Provo, UT · Remote

$40/hr

... protein purification strategies, and interpreting gel electrophoresis results. Emphasizes molecular-level reasoning and connects biochemistry to drug design, clinical diagnostics, and genetic disease ...

Varsity Tutors

Biochemistry Tutor

Spanish Fork, UT · Remote

$40/hr

... protein purification strategies, and interpreting gel electrophoresis results. Emphasizes molecular-level reasoning and connects biochemistry to drug design, clinical diagnostics, and genetic disease ...

Varsity Tutors

AP Biology Tutor

Logan, UT · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at breaking down complex biological processes including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and signal transduction pathways. Guides students through experimental design, data analysis using ...

Varsity Tutors

AP Biology Tutor

Spanish Fork, UT · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at breaking down complex biological processes including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and signal transduction pathways. Guides students through experimental design, data analysis using ...

Varsity Tutors

AP Biology Tutor

Provo, UT · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at breaking down complex biological processes including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and signal transduction pathways. Guides students through experimental design, data analysis using ...

Varsity Tutors

AP Biology Tutor

Cedar City, UT · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at breaking down complex biological processes including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and signal transduction pathways. Guides students through experimental design, data analysis using ...

Denali Therapeutics

MSAT Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

BioPharma Industry experience related to protein therapeutics * Experience in design and operation of bio-processing technologies (cell culture and purification), with experience with single use ...

Mobettahs

Food Safety Manager

Lehi, UT

A DAY IN THE LIFE Reporting to the COO, this role owns the design, execution, and continuous ... protein cross-contamination controls. * Conduct in-restaurant food safety audits across the ...

Mo' Bettahs

Food Safety Manager

Lehi, UT · On-site

A DAY IN THE LIFE Reporting to the COO, this role owns the design, execution, and continuous ... protein cross-contamination controls. * Conduct in-restaurant food safety audits across the ...

All JobsProtein Design JobsProtein Design Jobs in Utah

Protein Design information

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Protein Design jobs in Utah? For Protein Design jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protein Design jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Protein Design jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Protein Design jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Protein Design job openings:
Protein Design jobs near you
Post Doc Res Assoc

Post Doc Res Assoc

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

$65K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 03/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN44612B Job Title Post Doc Res Assoc Working Title Post Doc Res Assoc Career Progression Track A00 Track Level P4 - Advanced, P3 - Career, P2 - Developing, P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 01502 - Department of Biochemistry Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $65,600 to $73,136 Close Date 08/26/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The Ho lab at the University of Utah is launching an ambitious program to systematically discover, map, and therapeutically harness mitochondrial microproteins to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction in rare and common disease. Microproteins encoded by small open reading frames (smORFs) are an enormous, largely uncharted space of short proteins that regulate core aspects of mitochondrial metabolism, import, and stress responses, and represent a new class of therapeutic targets. Building on our leadership in microprotein discovery and function, we are now expanding in Utah to recruit multiple postdoctoral fellows to apply high throughput methods and machine/deep learning to unlock the full potential of the dark proteome.
Responsibilities
Scientific vision
Ribosome profiling has uncovered nearly 10,000 human microproteins, yet fewer than 1% are functionally characterized, and a substantial fraction appear to localize to mitochondria ("mito-MPs"). Our longterm goal is to:
  • Create a comprehensive, experimentally validated functional atlas of mitochondrial microproteins
  • Reverse mitochondrial dysfunction in rare mitochondrial diseases as well as common metabolic disorders
Postdocs in the lab will drive one or more of the following thrusts (projects can be tailored to your background):
  1. Mapping the mitochondrial microproteome
  2. Systemslevel functional mapping of mitoMPs
  3. Hypotheses-driven interrogation of mito-MP biology
  4. AIguided design of therapeutic microproteins
If you are excited by the idea of treating microproteins as programmable therapeutic modules and want to work at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, functional genomics, and machine learning, we would love to hear from you.
Methods and platforms in the lab
Depending on your project and interests, you will have the opportunity to work with:
  • Highthroughput functional genomics: pooled CRISPR and baseediting screens, barcoded overexpression libraries, massively parallel reporter assays.
  • Advanced cell and mitochondrial biology: primary human fibroblasts, mitochondrial bioenergetics, import assays, respiratory chain phenotyping, in vivo disease models.
  • Multiomics: singlecell and bulk transcriptomics, untargeted metabolomics, quantitative proteomics.
  • Computational and AI approaches: microprotein bioinformatics, multiomic integration, protein language models, generative sequence design, and model interpretability (e.g., SHAP, attention mapping).
The Ho lab culture emphasizes team science, rigorous mechanistic work, and translation; you will join a collaborative network of basic and clinical partners aimed at moving microprotein discoveries toward therapeutic applications.
Ideal candidate profile
We are recruiting multiple postdocs, and strongly encourage applicants from all scientific and personal backgrounds. Ideal candidates will bring expertise in at least one of the following areas, and enthusiasm to learn across disciplines:
  • Mitochondrial biochemistry, bioenergetics, or oxidative phosphorylation.
  • Rare mitochondrial diseases or mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic disease.
  • Mitochondrial protein import, organelle proteostasis, or quality control.
  • Functional genomics: CRISPR/Cas9 or baseediting screens, highthroughput reporter assays.
  • Singlecell or spatial transcriptomics / proteomics / metabolomics in metabolic or mitochondrial contexts.
  • Microprotein or peptide biology; therapeutic peptide, mRNA, or gene therapy development related to mitochondrial disease.
  • Computational biology / bioinformatics, especially ribosome profiling, disease gene discovery, or integrative multiomic analyses.
  • Machine learning for biological data (e.g., protein language models, transformers, generative models) and interest in building interpretable tools for experimental colleagues.

Qualifications
  • PhD or MDPhD in a relevant field (e.g., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Biomedical Data Science).
  • Strong publication record for your career stage and evidence of driving projects to completion.
  • Demonstrated critical and creative thinking, with the ability to formulate and test mechanistic hypotheses.
  • Independence and strong organizational skills, coupled with enjoyment of close collaboration and mentoring in a team setting.
Prior experience in every technique listed is not required; we expect you to have depth in one area and motivation to expand your toolkit in others.
What we offer
  • A highly collaborative, supportive environment spanning wetlab, computational, and translational efforts, embedded in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah.
  • Clear lines of sight to highimpact publications and therapeutic development.
  • Structured mentoring to help you define your scientific niche, build an independent research vision, and prepare competitive grant and faculty applications.
  • Access to stateoftheart core facilities and an extensive network of international collaborators in mitochondrial biology, microproteins, and therapeutic development.

How to apply
Please email the following materials to lena@ho-lab.org with the subject line "Postdoctoral application - Microproteins & Mitochondria":
  1. CV including publication list.
  2. A 1-2 page statement of purpose describing:
    • Your past research experience.
    • How your skills intersect with our program's goals.
    • One or two scientific questions you would be excited to pursue within the themes above.
  3. Contact information for 2-3 referees.
Informal inquiries are welcome if you would like to discuss fit or project directions before applying. For more information on our work, please visit www.ho-lab.org.
Minimum Qualifications Preferences Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

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