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Protein Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior AI Protein Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

A well-funded, interdisciplinary medical research institute in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior AI Protein Design Engineer to spearhead a new initiative in de novo therapeutic engineering. This is a ...

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Protein Design information

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$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do protein design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein design in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Protein Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Protein Design jobs? Cities with the most Protein Design job openings:
What states have the most Protein Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Protein Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Protein Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.
Grad Co-op - Protein Design for Target Discovery

Grad Co-op - Protein Design for Target Discovery

Amgen

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$40/hr

Part-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Career CategoryCollege JobJob DescriptionJoin Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Grad Co-op - Protein Design for Target Discovery

What You Will Do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. During this program, you will conduct state of the art research in protein design for target discovery. Responsibilities include:

  • Identify and catalog genetic variants that result in gain or loss of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on therapeutically relevant cell surface proteins.
  • Apply computational and AI-based approaches to model the structural impact of PTM gain/loss on protein epitopes and therapeutic target accessibility.
  • Design and optimize binders against disease-relevant epitopes exposed by loss of PTM.
  • Apply laboratory binder discovery and characterization workflows to validate lead binders.
  • Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterize binder specificity, target engagement, and functional activity.
  • Collaborate with computational and experimental scientists to communicate research findings.
What We Expect of You

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The individual we seek is an independent and proactive scientist with these qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

Amgen requires that all individuals applying for a grad internship or a co-op assignment at Amgen must meet the following criteria:

  • 18 years or older
  • Graduated with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Currently enrolled in an MBA program for an MBA internship OR a Master's program for a Master's internship OR a PharmD program for a PharmD internship OR Ph.D. for a PhD internship from an accredited college or university and completion of the first year of MBA OR Master's OR Pharm D OR Ph.D. program before the internship starts
  • Enrolled in an accredited college or university following the potential internship or co-op assignment
  • Must not be employed at the time the internship starts
  • Student must be located in the United States for the duration of the co-op

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a PhD in Computational Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Experience with programming in Python and/or R.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Experience with protein engineering, structural biology, computational protein design, or antibody discovery.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML approaches for protein modeling and binder design.
  • Experience with molecular dynamics simulations or protein structure prediction tools.
  • Experience in conducting biochemical experiments in a research laboratory.
  • Prior research experience in computational and/or experimental biological sciences.
What You Can Expect of Us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The base pay range for this opportunity in the U.S. is $30 - $40 per hour.

  • Build a network of colleagues that will endure and grow throughout your time with us and beyond.
  • Bring your authentic self to the table and become the professional you're inspired to be through accepting a culture that values the diversity of thought and experience and will flex to your strengths and possibilities.
  • Participate in executive and social networking events, as well as community volunteer projects.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team. careers.amgen.com - Please search for Keyword R-248607

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of this program. Sponsorship for future full-time employment roles is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Salary Range

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