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Protein Expression Purification Jobs in California

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Protein Expression Purification information

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$17

$32

$50

How much do protein expression purification jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for protein expression purification in California is $32.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $40.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Protein Expression Purification vs Protein Biochemist?

AspectProtein Expression PurificationProtein Biochemist
Primary FocusIsolating and purifying proteins for research or productionStudying protein structure, function, and interactions
Required SkillsMolecular cloning, chromatography, cell cultureProtein analysis, assays, structural techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, biotech or pharma companiesResearch labs, academic institutions
Common CertificationsBiotech certifications, molecular biology trainingBiochemistry degrees, research experience

While both roles involve working with proteins, Protein Expression Purification focuses on isolating and purifying proteins, often for production or experimental use. Protein Biochemists analyze protein functions and structures, often using purified proteins. Both roles require molecular biology skills and lab experience but serve different purposes within the research and biotech industries.

What are some common challenges faced in a protein expression purification role and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Protein Expression Purification often encounter challenges such as low protein yield, protein aggregation, and difficulties in achieving the desired purity. These issues can be addressed by optimizing expression conditions (such as temperature and induction time), testing different host systems, and employing various purification techniques like affinity chromatography or size-exclusion chromatography. Collaborating closely with other team members, such as molecular biologists and analytical chemists, is essential to troubleshoot problems and refine protocols. Staying up-to-date with the latest methodologies and maintaining meticulous records also help ensure successful outcomes.

What is protein expression and purification?

Protein expression and purification refers to the process of producing a specific protein in a host organism, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells, and then isolating that protein from the host cells or culture medium. This process is fundamental in research and biotechnology for studying protein function, structure, and interactions, as well as for manufacturing proteins for therapeutic or industrial use. The workflow typically involves cloning the gene of interest, expressing it in a suitable system, and using various biochemical techniques to purify the target protein to a high degree of purity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protein expression purification scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protein Expression Purification Scientist, you need a solid background in biochemistry or molecular biology, with hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification techniques. Familiarity with tools such as FPLC/HPLC systems, affinity chromatography, and spectrophotometric analysis, along with knowledge of relevant laboratory safety protocols, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the efficient production of high-quality proteins for research or therapeutic applications, supporting critical advancements in biotechnology.
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Protein Expression Purification jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protein Expression Purification job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,865 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Scientist/Sr Scientist - Protein Production and Purification

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Palo Alto, CA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Kodiak Sciences Inc. is a fast-growing, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming ophthalmology through innovative therapeutics. Our Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate Drug (ABCD) platform combines protein engineering, polymer chemistry, small molecule drug discovery, bioconjugation, and drug delivery to address high-prevalence ophthalmic diseases.

We are seeking a motivated and independent Protein Production Scientist/Sr. Scientist to join our Discovery Medicine group as part of the Protein Engineering team. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scientist with demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification and will play a central role in advancing our discovery and research programs. This individual will excel at developing and executing robust protein production strategies, delivering high-quality recombinant proteins that enable antibody engineering, biochemical characterization, and functional evaluation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative therapeutics within a collaborative, fast-paced, and interdisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities 

  • Design, execute, and optimize recombinant protein expression workflows for a broad range of recombinant protein targets, including antibodies, therapeutic proteins, enzymes, and research reagents, using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO) and bacterial expression platforms.
  • Develop, optimize, and execute purification processes for diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques.
  • Purify protein conjugates, including protein-polymer and protein-drug conjugates, by applying established methodologies and developing innovative purification strategies to address complex molecular formats.
  • Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of recombinant proteins using SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and complementary analytical techniques to evaluate protein quality, purity, identity, aggregation, stability, and other critical quality attributes.
  • Maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein production processes to ensure robust, reproducible expression and high-quality protein yields.
  • Plan, prioritize, and coordinate protein production activities across multiple research programs to meet project objectives and timelines.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present scientific findings and recommendations to cross-functional project teams.
  • Maintain comprehensive laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and protein inventory databases to ensure data integrity, traceability, regulatory compliance, and efficient sample management.
  • Independently manage laboratory operations, maintain equipment and reagent inventories, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance protein production, purification, and analytical workflows.

Education & Qualifications 

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, or a related discipline with 0-5 years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience; or M.S. or B.S. in related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO); experience with bacterial expression systems is preferred.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the purification of antibodies and diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques in both column- and batch-based formats.
  • Proficiency in operating, optimizing and troubleshooting protein purification platforms, including ÄKTA FPLC systems; experience with KingFisher or other automated purification platforms is highly desirable.
  • Strong foundation in protein biochemistry and hands-on experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization techniques, including SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and related analytical methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, optimize, troubleshoot, and interpret recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization experiments.
  • Proven ability to optimize protein production workflows and implement innovative approaches to improve productivity, protein quality, and throughput.
  • Excellent organization skills, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining accurate experimental records and documentation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate scientific findings across multidisciplinary research teams.