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Recombinant Protein Expression Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

You will leverage your expertise in recombinant protein expression and characterization to support drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual who ...

Research Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

You will leverage your expertise in recombinant protein expression and characterization to support drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual who ...

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Recombinant Protein Expression information

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How much do recombinant protein expression jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for recombinant protein expression in the United States is $35.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily tasks for a professional in Recombinant Protein Expression?

Professionals in Recombinant Protein Expression typically spend their days designing and constructing DNA constructs, cultivating host cells (like E. coli, yeast, or mammalian cells), and optimizing conditions for protein expression and purification. Routine responsibilities may also include performing quality control assays, troubleshooting experimental issues, maintaining accurate lab records, and preparing reports for stakeholders or regulatory purposes. Collaboration with research scientists, bioinformaticians, or downstream processing teams is common, especially when tailoring protocols for different target proteins. This hands-on and collaborative environment offers a dynamic mix of experimentation and problem-solving each day.

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

To thrive in Recombinant Protein Expression, you need a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related life sciences field, with experience in gene cloning, vector design, and protein purification techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as FPLC/HPLC systems, PCR machines, and relevant software (e.g., LIMS, protein modeling tools) is highly beneficial, and certifications in laboratory safety are often valued. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this field. These abilities ensure the efficient production of high-quality recombinant proteins, support scientific research, and facilitate collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What is a Recombinant Protein Expression job?

A Recombinant Protein Expression job involves producing proteins using genetic engineering techniques in host systems such as bacteria, yeast, insect, or mammalian cells. Professionals in this role design expression vectors, optimize expression conditions, and purify proteins for various applications, including research, therapeutics, and industrial use. The job often requires expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein purification techniques.

More about Recombinant Protein Expression jobs
What states have the most Recombinant Protein Expression jobs? States with the most job openings for Recombinant Protein Expression jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recombinant Protein Expression jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recombinant Protein Expression jobs are:
Infographic showing various Recombinant Protein Expression job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,895 per year, or $35 per hour.
Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization

Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization

Kite Pharma

Foster City, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 9 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 motivated and detailoriented Associate Scientist to join the Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization group within Kite Research. This role is primarily benchfocused and executiondriven, with a strong emphasis on handson laboratory support for highthroughput protein expression, purification, and analytical characterization.

The Associate Scientist will be a critical contributor to discovery and optimization programs, serving as a reliable experimental operator who enables scale, speed, and data quality across multiple protein engineering efforts. This position is wellsuited for an individual who thrives in a fastpaced research environment, values rigor and reproducibility, and is excited to build deep technical expertise in protein production and analytics.

Key ResponsibilitiesHighThroughput Protein Expression & Purification (Primary Focus)
  • Execute highthroughput cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant proteins and binders across multiple formats (e.g., bacterial, mammalian, or yeast systems, as applicable).

  • Perform parallelized smallscale and midscale protein production to support binder discovery and optimization workflows.

  • Prepare purified proteins for downstream applications, ensuring appropriate quality, concentration, and documentation.

  • Rigorously track samples, constructs, and yields using electronic lab notebooks and sample management systems.

Protein Characterization & Analytics
  • Perform routine and advanced protein analytical assays, such as SDSPAGE, SEC, ELISA, and concentration/quality assessments.

  • Support binding and functional characterization efforts (e.g., sample preparation for SPR/BLI, cellbased assays, or functional screens).

  • Assess protein quality, stability, and suitability for downstream assays; flag issues and propose troubleshooting steps.

Experimental Execution in Discovery Programs
  • Provide consistent, highquality experimental execution in support of binder discovery, optimization, and validation campaigns.

  • Work from protocols while developing the technical judgment to recognize deviations, failures, or optimization opportunities.

  • Generate clear, reproducible, and decisionready experimental data that feeds directly into program workflows.

Workflow Support & Continuous Improvement
  • Contribute to the robustness and scalability of protein production and analytical workflows.

  • Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reproducibility, or data quality through protocol refinement and standardization.

  • Maintain wellorganized lab spaces, reagents, and shared resources to support efficient team operation.

Collaboration & Communication
  • Collaborate closely with Scientists and computational partners within the larger Protein Science team

  • Communicate experiment status, results, and issues clearly in team discussions and written records.

  • Engage constructively with crossfunctional partners (e.g., Cell Biology, Translational teams) as needed for sample handoff and assay support.

Basic Qualifications
  • Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant scientific experience
    OR

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

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, Bioengineering, or a related discipline

  • Handson laboratory experience in recombinant protein expression and purification

  • Demonstrated ability to execute repetitive, highthroughput wetlab workflows with accuracy and consistency

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and experimental traceability

  • Experience with parallelized or automated protein expression/purification workflows

  • Familiarity with common protein analytics and characterization methods (e.g., SEC, ELISA, biophysical assays)

  • Experience working in electronic lab notebooks and sample/LIMS systems

  • Prior experience supporting protein engineering, antibody, or binder discovery programs

Attributes for Success
  • Highly reliable experimental executor who takes pride in highquality bench work

  • Organized, methodical, and comfortable managing multiple samples and workflows in parallel

  • Learns quickly from feedback and adapts to evolving experimental needs

  • Collaborative team member who enables the productivity of Scientists and program teams

  • Motivated to build deep technical expertise in protein expression, purification, and analytics within a discovery research environment

This role will report into the Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization group complementing it through strong benchlevel execution and experimental scale.


The salary range for this position is: $109,650.00 - $141,900.00. 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.