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Structural Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Guidehouse

Biologist

Bethesda, MD

$85K - $141K/yr

We are currently seeking a Structural Biologist to support the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in structural biology methods ...

Guidehouse

Biologist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

We are currently seeking a Structural Biologist to support the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in structural biology methods ...

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How much do structural biologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural biologist in the United States is $35.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.09 and $40.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is structural biology in demand?

Structural biologists are in demand due to their expertise in techniques like X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and molecular modeling, which are essential for drug development and understanding biological mechanisms. Employment opportunities are available in academia, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries, often requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills. The field is expected to grow as research in disease mechanisms and personalized medicine expands.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

Structural biologists can earn over $100,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees, extensive research experience, and work in biotech or pharmaceutical industries. Senior roles such as research directors or principal scientists often have salaries exceeding this threshold, particularly in private sector settings that value specialized skills in protein structure analysis and molecular modeling.

What does a structural biologist do?

A structural biologist studies the 3D structures of biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and complexes using techniques like X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy. Their work helps understand how these molecules function and interact, which can inform drug design and disease research. They often work in laboratories, analyzing data and creating models to visualize molecular structures.

What are some common challenges structural biologists face when collaborating on interdisciplinary research projects?

Structural biologists often work closely with computational scientists, chemists, and clinicians to interpret and apply structural data. A common challenge in these collaborations is effectively communicating complex structural information to colleagues outside the field, ensuring that findings are accurately understood and integrated into broader research goals. Additionally, coordinating project timelines and data sharing across diverse teams can require strong organizational skills and adaptability. Building mutual understanding and setting clear expectations at the outset can help overcome these challenges and foster productive interdisciplinary work.

What is the difference between Structural Biologist vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectStructural BiologistMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsTypically a Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, or related fieldsUsually a Ph.D. or Master's in biology, biochemistry, or related areas
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, biotech companies focusing on 3D structuresLabs, research institutions, focusing on gene and protein functions
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, structural research

While both roles involve biological research, Structural Biologists specialize in determining the 3D structures of biomolecules, often using techniques like X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM. Molecular Biologists focus on understanding gene and protein functions at the molecular level. The two roles often overlap but differ mainly in their focus and methods used.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Biologist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein chemistry, usually supported by a PhD in a relevant field. Proficiency with techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and computational modeling software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for interpreting complex data and collaborating on research projects. These skills are essential for accurately elucidating biomolecular structures, advancing scientific knowledge, and driving innovation in drug discovery and biotechnology.

What is the highest paid biology job?

In the field of biology, senior roles such as biomedical directors, pharmaceutical executives, and research scientists with advanced degrees and extensive experience tend to have the highest salaries. Positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries often offer top compensation, especially for those with specialized skills in genomics, bioinformatics, or structural biology. Leadership roles and those requiring advanced certifications generally command higher pay.
More about Structural Biologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Structural Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Structural Biologist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Structural Biologist jobs? The top employers for Structural Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Structural Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Structural Biologist jobs include:
Structural Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Biologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 5% Internship, 52% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 31% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,866 per year, or $35.5 per hour.
Research Associate - Structural Biologist

Research Associate - Structural Biologist

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$62K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate - Structural Biologist

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Hiring Department:

Molecular Biosciences

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Jul 16, 2027

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

Purpose

Carry out research in structural biology and biochemistry of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid complexes.

Responsibilities

  • Express, purify, and characterize full-length and deletion constructs of group II intron and other non-LTR retroelement reverse transcriptase and related proteins for structural analysis and biotechnological applications using Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography FPLC and other methods. Characterize wild-type and mutant proteins biochemically via enzymatic assays and determine conditions for obtaining diffraction quality crystals and/or for cryo-electron microscopy analysis of proteins and protein/nucleic acid complexes. Carry out biochemical and biophysical assays.

  • Obtain structures of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid-protein complexes by X-ray diffraction and/or cryo-EM structures.

  • Write manuscripts and assist in the preparation of reports, abstracts, manuscripts and proposals. Make presentations at lab meetings. Attend lab meetings and other meetings. Order chemicals and supplies specific to current project.

  • Provide instruction, assistance and mentoring to graduate students.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with demonstrated productivity in these areas.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with at least three years' experience and demonstrated research productivity on enzymes that bind nucleic acids and/or protein-nucleic acid complexes

Salary Range

$62,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

  • Personal protection equipment (furnished)

  • May work around chemical fumes

  • May work around standard office conditions

  • May work around bio-hazards

  • May work around chemicals

Required Materials

  • Resume/CV

  • Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin

  • Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin 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, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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