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Protein Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S degree with 1-2 years of experience in a relevant field (e.g. protein sciences, chemical or bioengineering, biochemistry or similar) with additional training being desirable. * Experience with cell ...

Protein Scientist (Onsite in Wilsonville, OR) Twist Bioscience is expanding our protein capabilities to support a growing portfolio of products. We're looking for a Protein Scientist with strong ...

Protein Scientist (Onsite in Wilsonville, OR) Twist Bioscience is expanding our protein capabilities to support a growing portfolio of products. We're looking for a Protein Scientist with strong ...

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Protein Scientist information

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$28.5K

$90.8K

$149.5K

How much do protein scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein scientist in the United States is $90,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Protein Scientist?

A typical day for a Protein Scientist often involves designing and conducting experiments to express, purify, and characterize proteins, as well as analyzing data using specialized software tools. You may spend time preparing samples, running laboratory equipment, and collaborating closely with team members across research and development, quality control, or bioprocessing departments. Documentation, presenting findings in meetings, and troubleshooting technical challenges are integral parts of the role. This dynamic environment offers the chance to contribute to novel discoveries and translates scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protein Scientist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protein Scientist, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein expression and purification, typically supported by a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. Proficiency in laboratory techniques like chromatography, mass spectrometry, and familiarity with analytical software and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. Mastering both technical and soft skills ensures successful research outcomes, efficient teamwork, and innovation in this rapidly evolving scientific field.

What does a Protein Scientist do?

A Protein Scientist studies the structure, function, and properties of proteins to understand their roles in biological systems. They use techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography to analyze and modify proteins for applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Their work is critical in drug development, enzyme engineering, and disease research, contributing to advancements in medicine and industry.

More about Protein Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Protein Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Protein Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Protein Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Protein Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Protein Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,793 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Protein Production

Novartis

San Diego, CA • On-site

$93K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Novartis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description Summary

Come help us discover innovative therapeutic breakthroughs for patients! We are seeking a passionate, curious, and collaborative protein scientist to join our Protein Sciences group, an interdisciplinary team that has expertise in protein chemistry, enzymology, biophysics, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and electron microscopy.
As a Protein Scientist, you will focus primarily on the production of proteins to enable structure-guided drug discovery for multiple disease areas. Your responsibilities will include designing protein constructs, carrying out expression in various cell systems, developing methodologies for purification, and protein characterization using biophysical and structural techniques. You will closely collaborate with colleagues within our group and across disease areas to tackle challenging drug discovery projects, contributing to the advancement of early-stage drug development.


Job Description

Internal Job Title: Senior Scientist I/II

Location: onsite, San Diego, CA

About the role:

Come help us discover innovative therapeutic breakthroughs for patients! We are seeking a passionate, curious, and collaborative protein scientist to join our Protein Sciences group, an interdisciplinary team that has expertise in protein chemistry, enzymology, biophysics, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and electron microscopy.

As a Protein Scientist, you will focus primarily on the production of proteins to enable structure-guided drug discovery for multiple disease areas. Your responsibilities will include designing protein constructs, carrying out expression in various cell systems, developing methodologies for purification, and protein characterization using biophysical and structural techniques. You will closely collaborate with colleagues within our group and across disease areas to tackle challenging drug discovery projects, contributing to the advancement of early-stage drug development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute protocols to generate high-quality protein reagents for small molecule screening, hit validation, and structural biology studies of protein-small molecule complexes.

  • Design protein constructs based on literature and AI-based structure prediction tools.

  • Express protein expression in mammalian and insect cell systems.

  • Purify protein purification using various chromatography techniques and FPLC equipment.

  • Collaborate with colleagues to characterize protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions using biophysical and structural biology techniques.

  • Apply critical thinking to troubleshoot experiments and design new approaches.

  • Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature and accurate and detailed record keeping.

  • Work both independently and collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams.

  • Present and communicate results with protein science colleagues and project teams.

Essential Requirements:

  • BS/MS degree in biochemistry, life sciences, molecular biology or related field with at least 5+ years of relevant research laboratory experience.

  • Proven in-depth knowledge with hands-on experience in recombinant protein construct design and expression, including insect cell and mammalian expression systems.

  • Proficiency in different protein purification techniques such as affinity, ion exchange, and gel filtration chromatography using FPLC or HPLC systems.

  • Understanding of protein characterization as well as protein-ligand interactions using biophysical methods (e.g., SPR, DSF, ITC, LC/MS).

  • Demonstrated critical thinking and troubleshooting ability when handling challenging proteins such as aggregated proteins, multicomponent complexes, or membrane proteins.

  • Passionate about biomedical research and drug discovery. Motivated to learn new techniques in protein biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology.

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to work effectively in a matrix team environment.

Desirable Requirements:

  • Experience in protein crystallography, bio-NMR, or cryo-EM, either directly or working closely with others.

  • Experience in biophysical methods to characterize protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year for Senior Scientist I, and $98,700 and $183,300 for Senior Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills andexperience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the publishedsalary range based on company and market factors.


Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of therole, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.


US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life anddisability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Inaddition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,holidays and other leaves.


To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00


Skills Desired

Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills (Inactive), Curious Mindset, Data (Inactive), Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Laboratory (Inactive), Leading Project Teams, Lifesciences (Inactive), Machine Learning (ML), Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research {+ 11 more}

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