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Protein Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Computational Protein Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $29.50/hr

Working closely with our Lead Computational Protein Designer, you will play a key role amongst a team of scientists designing and engineering proteins for specific functions. This is an opportunity ...

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How much do protein engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein engineer in the United States is $92,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Protein Engineer do?

A Protein Engineer designs and modifies proteins for specific functions in fields like medicine, biotechnology, and bioengineering. They use computational modeling, molecular biology techniques, and biochemical assays to improve protein stability, activity, or binding properties. Their work is crucial for developing new therapeutics, enzymes, and biomaterials for various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protein Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protein Engineer, you need expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein structure-function analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with tools such as protein modeling software, high-throughput screening systems, and genetic engineering techniques is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing, optimizing, and testing proteins with desired properties, ensuring impactful contributions to research or product development.

What are the typical daily tasks and projects for a Protein Engineer?

Protein Engineers typically spend their days designing and conducting experiments to modify and improve protein characteristics, analyzing data from assays, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as molecular biologists and biochemists. Their work often involves using specialized laboratory equipment, computational modeling tools, and maintaining detailed records of their experimental results. Projects may include developing enzymes for industrial processes, optimizing therapeutic proteins, or engineering innovative biomaterials. The pace can be dynamic, with a mix of independent bench work and group meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot challenges, and plan next steps. This collaborative environment offers opportunities to learn from peers and contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements.
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Protein Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protein Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,020 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Principal/ Senior Scientist - T Cell Engager & Multispecific Protein Engineering

PharmaEssentia U.S.A.

Bedford, MA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Principal/ Senior Scientist – T Cell Engager & Multispecific Protein Engineering
Position Overview
PharmaEssentia is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for patients with unmet medical needs in oncology, hematology, and immunology. With strong capabilities in disease biology, biologics and translational science, we are expanding our research organization to drive the next generation of therapeutic breakthroughs.
The PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Principal/ Senior Scientist to join our Biologics Platform team. This role will play a key role in the discovery, design, and optimization of T cell engager and multispecific protein therapeutics, advancing programs from early discovery through preclinical development.
The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in protein engineering, antibody and multispecific formats, and immuno-oncology biology with strong scientific leadership and hands-on execution. This position provides the opportunity to help shape next-generation biologics platforms and advance first-in-class or best-in-class therapeutic programs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, engineer, and optimize T cell engager modalities, including bispecific and multispecific antibodies and novel protein scaffolds, to improve potency, selectivity, safety profile, and developability.
  • Develop and execute protein engineering strategies to optimize affinity, stability, expression, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and manufacturability.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners/CROs on protein production, biophysical characterization, and cell-based functional assays.
  • Partner with biology and translational teams to evaluate T cell activation, immune synapse formation, cytokine release risk, and safety mitigation strategies
  • Provide scientific and technical leadership for biologics discovery programs, driving molecule design, screening strategies, and candidate selection.
  • Foster a culture of scientific rigor, transparency, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion within the research team.
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Immunology, Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with 7+ years of relevant industry experience in biologics or protein therapeutics discovery (4+ years for Senior Scientist level).
  • Demonstrated expertise in protein and antibody engineering, including multispecific or immune-redirecting modalities (e.g., T cell engagers).
  • Strong understanding of T cell biology, immune synapse mechanisms, and CD3-based targeting strategies.
  • Experience leading or significantly contributing to biologics discovery programs from early discovery through lead optimization.
  • Track record of scientific contributions, including peer-reviewed publications, patents, or advancement of molecules into preclinical development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience and knowledge in AI-driven protein foundation model for protein engineering is a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience providing project leadership in biologics discovery, including coordination of cross-functional teams and advancement of candidates toward IND-enabling studies.
  • Experience in T cell receptor (TCR) biology and engineering, including affinity tuning, specificity optimization, and/or TCR-based therapeutic modalities.
  • Experience with yeast display or other directed evolution platforms for high-throughput antibody or TCR screening.

EEO Statement:
At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. PIRC believes that diversity and inclusion among our team are critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.  PIRC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Staffing agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any PIRC employees. PIRC is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies.

At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.

https://us.pharmaessentia.com/careers/

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