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Research Associate Protein Purification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Role We are looking for a highly hands-on Research Associate to join our team and support protein science and cell biology workflows on the Medra Physical AI platform. This is a role for ...

Associate Protein Chemist

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

... lab providing testing and research services in the environmental, pharmaceutical, and ... Proficient in routine antibody purification using established platform process * Assist protein ...

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The Research Associate 1 PDM, specializing in process development and purification, will be primarily responsible for supporting protein purification processes and equipment maintenance in the ...

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Research Associate Protein Purification information

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How much do research associate protein purification jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate protein purification in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by research associates specializing in protein purification, and how can they be addressed?

Research Associates in protein purification often encounter challenges such as protein instability, low yield, and contamination during the purification process. Addressing these issues typically involves optimizing buffer conditions, adjusting purification protocols, and troubleshooting equipment. Collaboration with experienced colleagues and regular communication with other lab teams, such as molecular biology or analytical groups, also plays a key role in overcoming technical obstacles and ensuring high-quality results. Staying current with new purification technologies and best practices can further help mitigate common problems in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research associate in protein purification?

To thrive as a Research Associate in Protein Purification, you need a strong background in biochemistry or related fields, experience with protein expression and purification techniques, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in the life sciences. Familiarity with chromatography systems (e.g., FPLC, HPLC), SDS-PAGE analysis, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate experimental results, efficient workflow, and successful advancement of research projects.

What does a research associate in protein purification do?

A Research Associate in Protein Purification is responsible for isolating and purifying proteins from various biological sources using techniques such as chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation. They often work in laboratories, supporting scientific research and development projects by preparing high-quality protein samples for analysis or further experimentation. Their role may also include optimizing purification protocols, maintaining detailed laboratory records, and troubleshooting technical issues. This position is vital in biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic research settings where protein studies are essential.

What is the difference between Research Associate Protein Purification vs Research Associate Cell Culture?

AspectResearch Associate Protein PurificationResearch Associate Cell Culture
Required SkillsProtein purification techniques, chromatography, protein analysisCell culture, aseptic techniques, media preparation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on biochemistry and protein analysisCell biology labs, tissue culture facilities
Common EmployerBiotech, pharmaceutical, research institutionsBiotech, pharmaceutical, research institutions

Research Associate Protein Purification and Research Associate Cell Culture roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments but focus on different technical skills. Protein purification involves isolating and analyzing proteins, while cell culture emphasizes growing and maintaining cells. Both roles are essential in biotech and research settings, often overlapping in industry usage.

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What cities are hiring for Research Associate Protein Purification jobs? Cities with the most Research Associate Protein Purification job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Research Associate Protein Purification jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Associate Protein Purification jobs are:
Infographic showing various Research Associate Protein Purification job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Scientist/Sr Scientist - Protein Production and Purification

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description
Kodiak Sciences Inc. is a fast-growing, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming ophthalmology through innovative therapeutics. Our Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate Drug (ABCD) platform combines protein engineering, polymer chemistry, small molecule drug discovery, bioconjugation, and drug delivery to address high-prevalence ophthalmic diseases.
We are seeking a motivated and independent Protein Production Scientist/Sr. Scientist to join our Discovery Medicine group as part of the Protein Engineering team. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scientist with demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification and will play a central role in advancing our discovery and research programs. This individual will excel at developing and executing robust protein production strategies, delivering high-quality recombinant proteins that enable antibody engineering, biochemical characterization, and functional evaluation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative therapeutics within a collaborative, fast-paced, and interdisciplinary research environment.
Responsibilities
  • Design, execute, and optimize recombinant protein expression workflows for a broad range of recombinant protein targets, including antibodies, therapeutic proteins, enzymes, and research reagents, using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO) and bacterial expression platforms.
  • Develop, optimize, and execute purification processes for diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques.
  • Purify protein conjugates, including protein-polymer and protein-drug conjugates, by applying established methodologies and developing innovative purification strategies to address complex molecular formats.
  • Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of recombinant proteins using SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and complementary analytical techniques to evaluate protein quality, purity, identity, aggregation, stability, and other critical quality attributes.
  • Maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein production processes to ensure robust, reproducible expression and high-quality protein yields.
  • Plan, prioritize, and coordinate protein production activities across multiple research programs to meet project objectives and timelines.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present scientific findings and recommendations to cross-functional project teams.
  • Maintain comprehensive laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and protein inventory databases to ensure data integrity, traceability, regulatory compliance, and efficient sample management.
  • Independently manage laboratory operations, maintain equipment and reagent inventories, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance protein production, purification, and analytical workflows.

Education & Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, or a related discipline with 0-5 years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience; or M.S. or B.S. in related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein expression using transient mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO); experience with bacterial expression systems is preferred.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the purification of antibodies and diverse recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and other chromatographic techniques in both column- and batch-based formats.
  • Proficiency in operating, optimizing and troubleshooting protein purification platforms, including ร„KTA FPLC systems; experience with KingFisher or other automated purification platforms is highly desirable.
  • Strong foundation in protein biochemistry and hands-on experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization techniques, including SDS-PAGE, SEC, DLS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, mass photometry, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and related analytical methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, optimize, troubleshoot, and interpret recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization experiments.
  • Proven ability to optimize protein production workflows and implement innovative approaches to improve productivity, protein quality, and throughput.
  • Excellent organization skills, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining accurate experimental records and documentation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate scientific findings across multidisciplinary research teams.