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Protein Production Scientist information

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$33

$51

How much do protein production scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for protein production scientist in the United States is $33.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $40.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a protein production scientist do?

A Protein Production Scientist specializes in the expression, purification, and characterization of proteins, often for use in research, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology. They work with various expression systems such as bacterial, yeast, insect, or mammalian cells to produce proteins in the required quantities and purities. Their responsibilities also include optimizing production protocols, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring quality control. These scientists play a crucial role in enabling studies of protein function, structure, and therapeutic potential. Strong analytical, molecular biology, and biochemistry skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protein production scientist?

To thrive as a Protein Production Scientist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein expression/purification, typically supported by a relevant degree (e.g., MSc or PhD). Familiarity with expression systems (such as E. coli, insect, or mammalian cells), chromatography techniques, and analytical tools like SDS-PAGE and HPLC is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure reliable protein production, quality control, and successful collaboration in research or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by protein production scientists, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Protein Production Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing expression systems for high yield and purity, troubleshooting contamination or low expression issues, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with scientific literature, collaborating closely with colleagues in molecular biology, purification, and analytical teams, and employing robust quality control protocols. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is a willingness to adapt protocols based on experimental results.

What is the difference between Protein Production Scientist vs Protein Purification Specialist?

AspectProtein Production ScientistProtein Purification Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical firmsLaboratories focused on protein purification, biotech, pharma
Industry UsageResearch and development, production scale-upProtein isolation, purification, and analysis
Common Search/ComparisonProtein Production Scientist vs Protein Purification Specialist

The main difference between a Protein Production Scientist and a Protein Purification Specialist lies in their focus areas. The Protein Production Scientist oversees the entire process of producing proteins, including expression and initial production. In contrast, the Protein Purification Specialist concentrates specifically on isolating and purifying proteins for research or manufacturing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and specialization.

What cities are hiring for Protein Production Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Protein Production Scientist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Protein Production Scientist jobs?

For Protein Production Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Protein Production Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 74% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,765 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Scientist/Sr Scientist - Protein Production and Purification

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Kodiak Sciences Inc
Biotechnology Research and Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Kodiak Sciences Incexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

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.

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