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Protein Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your Impact at LILA Lila Sciences is seeking a dedicated Cell Free Co-op for Protein Sciences to ... We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard-coding expert knowledge ...

SRA Protein Expression

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$76 - $86/hr

Research Associate III - Scientist I Protein Expression Contractor Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Protein Expression Research Associate Contractor to join the ...

SRA Protein Expression

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$76 - $86/hr

Research Associate III - Scientist I Protein Expression Contractor Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Protein Expression Research Associate Contractor to join the ...

... scientific discipline (biochemistry, chemistry, biology), life sciences, Engineering. Open to higher degrees Required Experience and Skills * Experience working with protein purification

... scientific discipline (biochemistry, chemistry, biology), life sciences, Engineering. Open to higher degrees Required Experience and Skills * Experience working with protein purification

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Protein Science information

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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do protein science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Protein Science job?

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 the Protein Science position, and why are they important?

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.
What cities are hiring for Protein Science jobs? Cities with the most Protein Science job openings:
What states have the most Protein Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Protein Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Protein Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 40% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Discovery

Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Discovery

Kite Pharma

Foster City, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We're here for one reason and one reason only - to cure cancer. Every moment is dedicated to developing treatments and every action moves us one step closer to our goal. We've made incredible scientific breakthroughs and our pioneering personalized CAR T-cell therapies have changed the paradigm. But we're not finished yet.

Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.


Job Description

We are seeking a highly capable and experimentally driven Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Discovery to join Kite Research. This role will be focused on the planning, execution, and screening of new binder discovery and optimization campaigns.

This is a labbased, handson role for a Scientist who enjoys translating discovery hypotheses into welldesigned experimental campaigns and carrying them through execution. The Scientist will take ownership of binder campaign design and screening strategy while remaining deeply engaged at the bench, generating highquality experimental data that directly informs program decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Binder Campaign Design & Experimental Planning (Primary Focus)

  • Design and plan new binder discovery and optimization campaigns, including selection strategies, screening formats, and experimental milestones.

  • Translate platform capabilities, target biology, and program goals into executable experimental plans.

  • Select appropriate discovery and screening approaches (e.g., display formats, selection stringency, screening depth) based on targetspecific requirements.

Laboratory Execution & Screening

  • Execute handson laboratory experimentation supporting binder discovery and optimization, including cloning, expression, screening, and hit triage activities.

  • Lead screening and downselection workflows, generating clear, decisionready data on binder performance (e.g., binding, specificity, functional activity).

  • Perform experimental troubleshooting and iterative refinement of screening strategies based on data trends and program needs.

Data Interpretation & Program Contribution

  • Analyze and interpret screening and characterization data to guide next experimental steps and optimization strategies.

  • Communicate results, risks, and recommendations clearly to management and broader project teams.

  • Contribute experimentally and scientifically to multiple discovery programs in parallel, balancing depth with throughput.

Collaboration & Platform Enablement

  • Work closely with Associate Scientists and Research Associates to ensure efficient execution of experimental workflows.

  • Collaborate with computational, Cell Biology, and Translational partners to align binder screening outputs with downstream assay and development needs.

  • Provide experimental feedback that helps refine discovery platforms, screening assays, and campaign design principles.

Documentation & Scientific Rigor

  • Maintain thorough experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks and sampletracking systems (LIMS).

  • Ensure reproducibility, traceability, and data integrity across all experimental activities.

  • Contribute to a culture of rigorous experimental standards and continuous scientific improvement.

Basic Qualifications

  • Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD)
    OR

  • Master's degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience
    OR

  • Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline

  • Strong handson experience in protein engineering, binder discovery, or related experimental workflows

  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute experimental screening campaigns in a laboratory setting

  • Experience generating and interpreting data to guide experimental decisions

  • Experience with displaybased discovery platforms (e.g., phage, yeast, or related systems)

  • Familiarity with binding and functional screening assays relevant to binder discovery

  • Experience working in fastpaced, multiprogram discovery environments

  • Strong scientific communication skills and comfort collaborating across disciplines

Attributes for Success

  • Scientistexecutor who enjoys owning experiments from planning through data generation

  • Comfortable balancing experimental design responsibilities with sustained bench work

  • Thoughtful, datadriven decisionmaker who adapts strategies based on results

  • Collaborative partner who works effectively with senior scientists and experimental teams

  • Motivated by scientific progress, experimental rigor, and impact on discovery programs

This role is intended to serve as a key experimental and scientific driver of binder discovery and screening campaigns.


The salary range for this position is: $146,540.00 - $189,640.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.


Kite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies with a goal of providing rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic care. The company is focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information on Kite, please visit www.kitepharma.com. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.

For jobs in the United States:

Kite Pharma is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability,genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contactApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.


For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the'Know Your Rights' poster.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT


Kite Pharma will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.


Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.