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Protein Purification Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

San Jose, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

Alameda, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

Hayward, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

Santa Clara, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

Mundelein, IL

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

Sonoma, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

San Mateo, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

San Francisco, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

Fremont, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Connect Life Sciences

Scientist

Santa Rosa, CA

he Lead Discovery and Structural Biology Department within our client is seeking a highly qualified Protein Expression & Purification Scientist (Contractor) with demonstrated expertise in molecular ...

Lancesoft

Protein Scientist

Foster City, CA · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

Key Responsibilities Protein Production & Purification Execute recombinant protein expression and ... Science, or related field 2 4+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in academic or ...

Adecco

Scientist III

Swiftwater, PA · On-site

$80/hr

Protein Purification & Chromatography * Operate and optimize purification processes utilizing ... Scientific presentations * Present findings to technical teams and leadership. Manufacturing ...

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Protein Purification Scientist information

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How much do protein purification scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for protein purification 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.

Is there a demand for molecular biologists?

There is strong demand for molecular biologists, including Protein Purification Scientists, due to ongoing research in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Skills in techniques like protein purification, DNA/RNA analysis, and laboratory automation are highly valued in this field, which offers opportunities in research institutions, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical firms.

What does a Protein Purification Scientist do?

A Protein Purification Scientist is responsible for isolating and purifying proteins from biological samples for research or industrial applications. They use a variety of techniques such as chromatography, centrifugation, and filtration to obtain proteins in a highly pure and functional state. Their work is essential in fields like drug development, biotechnology, and academic research, where purified proteins are needed for experiments, therapeutic use, or structural studies.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Protein Purification Scientist and how are they addressed within the team?

Protein Purification Scientists often encounter challenges such as low protein yield, contamination, or protein instability during the purification process. These issues are usually addressed through careful optimization of protocols, frequent troubleshooting, and close collaboration with upstream and downstream teams (such as molecular biologists and analytical chemists). Regular team meetings and data sharing help ensure that any technical hurdles are resolved efficiently, and scientists are encouraged to stay updated with the latest purification technologies and methodologies. Support from experienced colleagues and access to well-equipped laboratories also play a key role in overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protein Purification Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protein Purification Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein chemistry, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Experience with chromatography systems (such as FPLC or HPLC), analytical tools (like SDS-PAGE and Western blot), and knowledge of GMP/GLP standards or relevant certifications are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help scientists excel in this role. These skills are essential for ensuring the successful isolation and characterization of proteins, which supports research, drug development, and quality control in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

What is the highest paid type of scientist?

Among scientists, petroleum engineers and data scientists tend to have the highest average salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Protein purification scientists typically earn less, with salaries influenced by experience, industry, and location, generally ranging from $50,000 to $90,000 per year.

What Is the Job of a Protein Purification Scientist?

As a protein purification scientist, your job is to work in a laboratory and manufacture purified proteins according to a company's specifications. Your work involves a significant amount of observation for each batch of proteins you create. You analyze the product after it's made to verify the quality, find ways to use the protein in research and commercial products, and may help other scientists develop medicines. Employers expect you to remain familiar with the latest purification strategies for the mammalian cell culture process. Other aspects of this job involve troubleshooting production processes and training junior staff members.

How much do protein scientists make?

Protein purification scientists typically earn a median annual salary between $50,000 and $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced skills, certifications, and working in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

What is a protein purification scientist?

A protein purification scientist is a researcher or technician who specializes in isolating and purifying proteins from complex biological samples using techniques such as chromatography and electrophoresis. They often work in laboratories, applying biochemical methods to study protein structure and function, and may require knowledge of laboratory equipment and safety protocols.
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Protein Purification Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protein Purification Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,765 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Scientist / Senior Scientist, Protein Chemistry

The Fynder Group

Chicago, IL

$94K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an innovative and driven Protein Chemist/Biochemist (Scientist / Senior Scientist) to join our dynamic R&D team. In this role, you will play a critical part in characterization of wild-type and genetically engineered fungal strains.  You will work at the intersection of protein biochemistry, proteomics, and molecular biology, with a focus on optimizing protein production and implementing different protein characterization methods, utilizing data-driven insights to solve complex technical challenges and accelerate relevant projects within the Fynder group. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment and possesses deep expertise in protein purification, advanced biophysical and bioanalytical characterization, and functional assay development.
Responsibilities

  • Protein Purification & Isolation: design, develop and optimize protein purification of native and heterologously expressed proteins from complex biological matrices. Execute purification workflows utilizing automated chromatography systems (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, hydrophobic interaction, ÄKTA FPLC chromatography platforms).

  • Advanced Characterization & Proteomics: Characterize the secretome and proteome of wild-type, engineered, and improved strains using biochemical, biophysical and analytical techniques, such as SDS-PAGE, western blotting, ELISA based assays, UV/vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, Bio-Layer Interferometry, flow cytometry, etc., to evaluate purity, structural integrity, post-translational modifications such as glycosylation, inter- and intra-molecular bonding, potency, stability, developability and functional activity.

  • Method & Assay Development: Independently design, develop, and optimize novel analytical methods and functional assays to determine structural and biophysical and biochemical attributes (e.g., molecular weight, aggregation, and stability).

  • High-Throughput Screening: Establish and execute high-throughput (HTP) micro-scale purification and screening workflows to rapidly evaluate large fungal variant libraries.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work within interdisciplinary teams and partner closely with molecular biology, strain engineering and fermentation teams to improve protein expression, yield, and product quality. 

  • Genotype-to-Phenotype Discovery: Partner closely with the molecular biology team to uncover connections between genotypes and key phenotypes of filamentous fungi, actively contributing to strain engineering and improvement strategies.

  • Execution & Data Analysis: Conduct hands-on, bench-top laboratory work, designing and troubleshooting independently, analyzing and interpreting data sets, and utilizing specialized software (e.g., Proteome Discoverer, UNIFI, PyMOL, or Prism) to deliver data-driven solutions to technical roadblocks.

  • Reporting & Presentation: Analyze and summarize results, maintaining meticulous experimental documentation, preparing SOPs, technical reports and presentations, and present scientific outcomes clearly and concisely to stakeholders.

  • Planning and Integration: Contribute to project planning, timelines and cross-functional scientific discussions.

Position Requirements & Qualifications
  • MS or Ph.D in Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field 
  • 2+ years of industrial experience
Technical Competencies: 

  • Deep knowledge of protein structure-function properties, advanced protein purification principles, structural characterization and understanding of protein chemistry, protein folding, aggregation and stability.

  • Experience with biologics characterization assays, including binding, blocking, competitive binding, functional activity using biochemical and cellular systems, etc

  • Proven hands-on expertise characterizing post-translational modifications, such as protein glycosylation profiles.

  • Experience with analytical instrumentation, including automated chromatography systems (FPLC/ÄKTA) and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS or MALDI-TOF), and analytical method development.

  • Experience working with microbial hosts and strain improvement programs focused on protein expression, metabolic engineering, or related applied research targets.

  • Familiarity with foundational computational software tools for structural visualization, data analytics, or proteomics pipelines (e.g., PyMOL, JMP, Prism, or equivalent).

Core Soft Skills & Attributes: 

  • Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities required for cross-team coordination.

  • Teamwork & Mindset: An innovative mindset, a can-do attitude, and an intrinsic enthusiasm for engineering novel biological platforms for protein production.

  • Adaptability: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and perfectly comfortable navigating the fast-paced, shifting landscape of an early-to-mid stage biotech startup.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct experience in quantifying and thoroughly structurally characterizing heterologously produced complex proteins.

  • Specific, hands-on scientific background working directly with filamentous fungi expression platforms.

  • Experience developing micro-scale high-throughput protein screening workflows or leveraging automated liquid handling systems.

  • Familiarity or basic working knowledge of industrial downstream processing (DSP) operations or engineering scale-up principles.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.