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Protein Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Protein Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$34.5K

$66.8K

$101.3K

How much do protein engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein engineering in Portland, OR is $66,788.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $76,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is protein engineering?

A Protein Engineering job involves designing, modifying, and optimizing proteins for specific applications in medicine, biotechnology, and industry. Scientists in this field use computational modeling, directed evolution, and genetic engineering to enhance protein functions. Roles may include developing enzymes for drug production, improving therapeutic proteins, or creating biomaterials. This work often requires expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in protein engineering?

A typical day in Protein Engineering involves designing and conducting experiments to modify protein sequences, expressing and purifying proteins, and analyzing their structure or function using techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy. You will often document your results, troubleshoot unexpected findings, and present data to colleagues or project teams. Collaboration with scientists in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and structural biology is common to ensure robust experimental design and data interpretation. The role may also include literature reviews to stay updated with the latest research and participating in team meetings to plan next steps or project timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in protein engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive in Protein Engineering, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering, typically supported by a relevant advanced degree. Experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression/purification, and analytical tools like mass spectrometry or chromatography is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing novel proteins, collaborating in multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring successful project outcomes in biotech or pharmaceutical environments.

How much do protein engineers make?

Protein engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and laboratory techniques can lead to higher compensation, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

What do protein engineers do?

Protein engineers design and modify proteins to improve their functions or create new ones, often using techniques like directed evolution and computational modeling. They work in research labs, utilizing tools such as gene editing and structural analysis to develop applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protein Engineering jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Protein Engineering jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Protein Engineering jobs in Portland, OR?

For Protein Engineering jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Protein Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,788 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

$52K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 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

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

OHSU Dermatology is a full-service academic department serving the Pacific Northwest and global dermatology community in patient care, education, and research. Formally established in 1922, OHSU is one of the earliest established Dermatology-specific departments nationwide.

OUR VISION: OHSU's Department of Dermatology is a pioneering leader, dedicated to excellence in alleviating diseases of the skin and promoting health. OUR MISSION: We advance the science and practice of dermatology through excellence and innovation in patient care, education, and discovery.

The OHSU Dermatology Research Division merges basic, clinical and translational research in epithelial cell cancers and dermatologic diseases. Our basic and clinician-scientists are committed to innovative research on cancer and inflammation of skin with an impact on understanding causes and improving future treatment of muco-cutaneous diseases and providing more effective patient care.

The person who fills this position will report to Noah Hornick, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, in investigating methods for surveillance of melanoma recurrence / metastasis, as well as mechanisms of inflammation in the skin during adverse reactions to cancer immunotherapy. Responsibilities will include conducting experimentation that leverages techniques including the processing of human tissue samples (skin, tumor, and blood) in order to extract single cells, nuclei, DNA, RNA, and protein; histologic work including the chromogenic and fluorescent labeling and imaging of slides, preparation of spatial, single-cell, and bulk RNA libraries for sequencing, cell culture, and flow cytometry. The Research Associate will also be responsible for contributing to documentation and data analysis related to this experimentation, as well as to the preparation of figures for publication.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Supports basic day-to-day functions of the lab, including assisting with ordering supplies. Oversees and assists with training of new or temporary students and other personnel. Attends all laboratory research and division/department meetings. 
  • Independently sets up and carries out cell culture experiments with cell lines and primary human skin cells. Analyzes results using techniques listed in position summary. Independently prepares, labels, and images slides using stains, immunolabeling, and in situ hybridization with both chromogens and fluorophores. Processes human blood and tissue to produce single-cell suspensions, single-nucleus suspensions, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, and plasma. Prepares cDNA libraries for sequencing from fixed and frozen tissue through 10X Genomics protocols: Visium, Chromium, Chromium Flex, and Epi Multiome. Prepares and labels single-cell suspensions from patient samples and cultured cells, performs flow cytometry analysis. 
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in related field (molecular, cell biology, or biochemistry)

  • Will vary depending on years of postdoctoral training completed 

  • Fluency with relevant mathematics / basic statistics, experience with MS Excel. Biochemistry and molecular biology research techniques; tissue culture skill

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience or training in bioinformatics helpful
  • Prior imaging or histology experience, single-cell transcriptome analysis experience, R programming, and python programming experience are helpful.
  • Knowledge of immunology, dermatology, or sex hormone biology
Additional Details

The schedule will be full-time (40 hours per week), though the hours can be flexible on mutual agreement and may include evening and weekend work as needed depending on experimental timing demands. The location will be primarily in the dermatology laboratory and associated equipment rooms in CHH1. Specialized experiments will be conducted in core facilities. Exposure as part of this position may include human tissues and fluids.

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: FULL_TIME

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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