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Protein Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

fairlife

Research Scientist

Chicago, IL

You won't just collect and track data - you will design the science-backed strategies that alleviate quality challenges and unlock our next generation of breakthrough RTD protein products ...

EVOZYNE INC

Applied AI Research Fellow

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are transforming how the industry approaches protein engineering. Our platform, EvoGen, is both ... You thrive in ambiguity, and you're motivated by applying your work to real-world scientific ...

Bestzyme

Sr./ Sales Manager, Sweet Protein

Chicago, IL · Remote

$100K - $130K/yr

We understand the importance of nurturing science not just for today, but for preserving tomorrow ... Sales Manager (Sweet Protein) Location: United States - Remote The estimated salary range is $100 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProtein Science JobsProtein Science Jobs in Chicago, IL

Protein Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$49.9K

$81.4K

How much do protein science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein science in Chicago, IL is $49,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $53,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protein science professional?

A Protein Science job involves studying the structure, function, and engineering of proteins for applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and research. Professionals in this field use techniques like protein purification, crystallography, and computational modeling to understand protein behavior. They may work in drug discovery, enzyme engineering, or structural biology. Careers in protein science are found in academic research, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical industries, contributing to advancements in medicine and technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in protein science?

To thrive in Protein Science, you need a solid background in biochemistry or molecular biology, proficiency in protein expression, purification, and characterization, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in a life science discipline. Experience with analytical tools such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and bioinformatics platforms is highly valuable, as are certifications in laboratory safety. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams are key soft skills. These skills enable the successful design, execution, and interpretation of experiments critical to advancing research and product development in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

What are the main challenges protein science professionals typically face in their daily work?

One of the main challenges in Protein Science is optimizing protein expression and purification protocols, as proteins can be structurally complex and may not always behave predictably. Researchers often encounter issues such as low yield, aggregation, or instability, requiring creative problem-solving and troubleshooting. Collaboration with colleagues in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and analytical chemistry is essential to overcome these hurdles. A dynamic and fast-paced environment means professionals must stay adaptable and up-to-date with technological advances, which together drive successful project outcomes and scientific innovation.

How much do protein scientists make?

Protein scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in molecular biology or biochemistry can earn higher salaries, especially in research or industry settings.

What do protein scientists do?

Protein scientists study the structure, function, and interactions of proteins to understand biological processes and develop applications such as drugs or diagnostics. They often work in laboratories, using techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, and molecular modeling, and may require knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. Their work supports research, development, and quality control in healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.

What are popular job titles related to Protein Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Protein Science jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Protein Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Protein Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Protein Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protein Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,850 per year, or $24 per hour.

Scientist I, Biologics Outsourcing Specialist

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Overview:
The Biotherapeutics Production group at AbbVie is seeking a research scientist to coordinate and manage biologics generation outsourcing at CROs. The group routinely outsources protein production for hundreds of biologics molecules per year at scales of 100 mg to 50 grams to generate therapeutic biologics in support of AbbVie's worldwide drug discovery efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Execute and coordinate outsourcing of therapeutic biologic production at CROs at scales of 100 mg - 50 grams for all required purification requests (hundreds/year) in alignment with functional goals and group scientific objectives.
  • Collaborate with CRO vendors, and manage all aspects of protein production, including ordering, sequence design, expression method, scale selection, primary capture, secondary purification strategy, as well as all QC and analytical work.
  • Ensure successful and timely execution of outsourcing projects through sound planning and strategy design, as well as risk management.
  • Manage pre-registration and post-registration of generated molecules in appropriate IT systems.
  • Develop strategy for two-way data sharing and receipt with each vendor to allow seamless tracking of requests and import of data to LIMS system, as well as to increase efficiency and accuracy of data delivery.
  • Perform biophysical characterization and analytical QC (including SEC, intact and reduced mass spectrometry, endotoxin and HCP testing) for all proteins that require QC beyond what vendor offers.
  • Work with vendors to align their QC methodologies (SEC columns, buffers, MS reduction protocol, and HCP assay) with standard methods used in BDS-BP group, and advance collaboration with vendors to deliver equivalent QC data packages as those generated internally eliminating the need for internal QC of outsourced projects.
  • Interact with requestors and collaborators to keep them informed of the progress and status of their outsourced projects.
  • Communicate results and unexpected observations in timely manner to management and appropriate audience.
  • Resolve unexpected scientific problems that arise by utilizing novel approaches and collaborative partnership with internal and external colleagues and vendors.
  • Work independently on the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental results.
  • Analyze, document, and report data concisely and rigorously.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
Position will be hired based on level of experience and education.
  • Bachelors or Masters in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or related field with typically 5+ (BS) or 2+ (MS) years of experience.
  • Prior experience with all aspects of biologics production, including expression plasmid design, stable and transient protein expression in CHO cells, primary protein capture methods using Protein A, CH1, kappa select, and secondary purification strategies using AEX, CEX, and HIC resins.
  • Prior experience working with CROs, specifically doing protein production.
  • Prior experience performing analytical QC of biologics including, SEC, intact and reduced mass spectrometry, endotoxin and HCP testing, peptide mapping, released glycan analysis, and CE-SDS.
  • Experience in process development and process optimization, including expression optimization, and purification process development.
  • Proficiency in overcoming problems (i.e. low expression, aggregation, aberrant glycosylation, poor chain pairing, difficult separations) with challenging therapeutic protein production.

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this roleat the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount isearned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that areallocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolutediscretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013

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