ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Scientist Protein Engineering Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL

Sr. Scientist 1

Novato, CA

$107K - $146K/yr

These engineers, technicians, scientists and support staff build and maintain BioMarin's cutting-edge manufacturing processes and sites, provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure we ...

DD-Scientific Data

Scientific Data Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$135K - $163K/yr

Please note this is a scientific software/data engineering position- it is not a pure machine ... Network with senior internal and external personnel in their own area of expertise. We are looking ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScientist Protein Engineering JobsSenior Scientist Protein Engineering JobsSenior Scientist Protein Engineering Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Senior Scientist Protein Engineering information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$72.7K

$120.9K

$179.9K

How much do senior scientist protein engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist protein engineering in Santa Rosa, CA is $120,862.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior scientist in protein engineering do?

A Senior Scientist in Protein Engineering leads research and development projects focused on designing and optimizing proteins for specific functions, such as therapeutic use or industrial applications. They use molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biochemical techniques to modify protein structures, improve their properties, and solve complex biological problems. Senior Scientists often oversee junior researchers, collaborate across departments, and contribute to scientific publications and patent applications. Their expertise helps drive innovation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields.

What are the main collaborative interactions a senior scientist in protein engineering can expect within a typical biotech or pharmaceutical company?

As a Senior Scientist in Protein Engineering, you’ll regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, process development scientists, and project managers. These interactions often involve sharing data, co-designing experiments, troubleshooting technical challenges, and aligning project timelines. Effective communication skills are essential, as you'll also present findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This collaborative environment not only drives project success but also provides opportunities for professional growth and learning from other scientific disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior scientist in protein engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Scientist in Protein Engineering, you need advanced knowledge in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein design, typically supported by a Ph.D. in a relevant field and significant laboratory experience. Familiarity with techniques such as directed evolution, high-throughput screening, and bioinformatics tools like PyMOL and Rosetta, as well as experience with lab automation systems, is essential. Creative problem-solving, strong leadership, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for leading research teams and collaborating across functions. These skills and qualities are vital for driving innovative protein engineering projects that result in impactful scientific and commercial outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Scientist Protein Engineering vs Research Scientist Protein Engineering?

AspectSenior Scientist Protein EngineeringResearch Scientist Protein Engineering
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field; extensive experienceMaster's or PhD in relevant field; less extensive experience
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, mentoring, cross-functional collaborationConducting experiments, data analysis, supporting projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, research institutionsAcademic labs, biotech companies, research institutions

Senior Scientist Protein Engineering typically involves leading projects, mentoring team members, and applying extensive expertise, whereas Research Scientist Protein Engineering focuses on executing experiments and supporting research efforts. Both roles require advanced degrees and are common in biotech and pharma industries, but the senior role emphasizes leadership and strategic input.

What job categories do people searching Senior Scientist Protein Engineering jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Scientist Protein Engineering jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Senior Scientist Protein Engineering jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Senior Scientist Protein Engineering job openings:

Senior Scientist Protein Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Scientist Protein Engineering job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,862 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Senior Research Associate, Protein Sciences

Kelly Services

Petaluma, CA

$50 - $60/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Senior Research Associate, Protein Sciences and Microbiology, for a contract-to-hire opportunity with an innovative biotechnology and medical device company in Petaluma, CA. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology and medical device industries.
Workplace: Onsite in Petaluma CA.
Position Title: Senior Research Associate, Protein Sciences and Microbiology
Position Type: Contract-to-hire
Pay rate: $50-60 per hour.
Company: Kelly® Science & Clinical
Client Overview:
Our client is a leader in developing and manufacturing advanced antimicrobial technologies for medical and consumer applications. They specialize in innovative anti-infective scientific pipeline and are committed to innovation, safety, and regulatory excellence.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join our dynamic research team focused on protein chemistry. The successful candidate will primarily work on the characterization and analysis of proteins within human serum, contributing to advancements in understanding protein interactions and functions.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct experiments involving extraction, purification, and analysis of proteins from human serum.
  • Utilize various techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, and electrophoresis for protein characterization.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and implement research projects.
  • Analyze and interpret data, prepare detailed reports and presenting findings at team meetings.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Qualifications
  • BS/MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
  • 5–7 years of relevant hands-on research experience within the pharma/biopharma industry
  • Expertise in protein manipulation: expression, purification (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion), and characterization (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, mass spectrometry, etc.).
  • Knowledge of microbiology and experience running and maintaining bacterial cultures
  • Familiarity with basic GMP concepts, data integrity standards, and scientific writing of protocols or SOPs.
  • Strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot complex experimental challenges.
  • Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with paraben, preservative, and bioburden testing
  • Experience supporting small molecule drug discovery programs
  • Exposure to IND or regulatory document preparation
Why Join Us:
  • Competitive compensation package and potential for permanent placement following the temporary period.
  • Opportunity to work at the forefront of biotechnology innovation in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
  • Access to ongoing career development and networking opportunities through Kelly® Science & Clinical's expansive network of industry experts and recruiters.
If your qualifications align with the requirements of this role, we invite you to apply and take the next step in your career journey. Rest assured, even if this opportunity isn't the perfect match, your profile will remain within our network, ensuring you're connected to a wealth of future opportunities in the field of science and clinical research.
#P1
 
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.