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Structural Biology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

San Diego, CA

$119K - $222K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Structural Biology is a cornerstone capability, enabling structure-guided drug discovery for some of the most challenging and high-impact targets in medicine. This is a unique opportunity to join a ...

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Structural Biology information

See California salary details

$15

$23

$31

How much do structural biology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural biology in California is $23.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is structural biology in demand?

Structural biology is a growing field with demand in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academic research for expertise in techniques like X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Job opportunities are available in research institutions, biotech companies, and drug development firms, often requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of molecular modeling. The field offers roles in research, data analysis, and scientific communication, with demand driven by advances in understanding biomolecular structures.

How do you become a structural biologist?

To become a structural biologist, one typically earns a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology. Gaining experience with techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, or NMR spectroscopy is essential, along with developing skills in data analysis and laboratory research. Postdoctoral training and continuous learning are common to advance in this specialized field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in structural biology?

To thrive in Structural Biology, you need a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and physics, generally supported by an advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a related field. Proficiency with specialized software for molecular modeling (such as PyMOL or Chimera), as well as hands-on experience with technologies like X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy, is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and collaborative communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are key for accurately determining biomolecular structures and contributing valuable insights to biomedical research and drug discovery.

What does someone working in structural biology do?

Professionals in Structural Biology commonly spend their days designing and conducting experiments to analyze the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules using techniques like X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or NMR spectroscopy. They often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams—including biochemists, computational modelers, and pharmaceutical researchers—to interpret data and inform research directions. In addition to laboratory work, significant time is dedicated to data analysis, preparing research presentations, and staying up to date with scientific literature. This dynamic environment requires flexibility, technical expertise, and an eagerness to solve complex scientific problems.

What is structural biology?

A Structural Biology job involves studying the molecular structure and function of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, to understand their roles in cellular processes. Professionals in this field use techniques like X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy to determine molecular structures. These roles are common in academic research, pharmaceutical development, and biotechnology companies, contributing to drug discovery and disease research.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Biology jobs in California? The most popular types of Structural Biology jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Structural Biology jobs? Cities in California with the most Structural Biology job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Biology job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,079 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Scientist / Senior Scientist, Structural Biology

Amgen, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Career Category
Scientific
Job Description
Join Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.
Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions.
As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
Scientist / Senior Scientist, Structural Biology
What you will do
Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will help discovery teams tackle challenging mechanistic questions by developing practical structural biology strategies, enabling high-quality structural analysis, and delivering insights that support therapeutic program decisions. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on structural biology with technology innovation in support of biologics and small-molecule drug discovery across multiple therapeutic areas.
Key Responsibilities
  • Partner with discovery teams to evaluate samples, define structural biology strategies, and develop fit-for-purpose experimental plans.
  • Perform and guide cryo-sample preparation, grid optimization, screening, data collection, image processing, model building, refinement, and structural interpretation.
  • Deliver high-quality structural insights that inform mechanism of action, molecular design, and therapeutic decision-making.
  • Develop scalable, reproducible CryoEM workflows that improve throughput, robustness, and data quality.
  • Collaborate across Structural Biology, Protein Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery, Protein Engineering, Computational Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Automation, Molecular Characterization, and therapeutic area teams.
  • Coordinate activities across internal facilities, external collaborators, and instrument vendors to maximize platform performance.
  • Evaluate and implement emerging technologies-including automation and AI-enabled tools-to improve data collection, analysis, and workflow efficiency.
  • Apply complementary structural biology approaches, including X-ray crystallography, MicroED, electron tomography, and integrative structural biology, where appropriate to address scientific questions.
  • Support and/or lead CryoEM platform activities at the South San Francisco site, including operation of the 200 kV Glacios 2 and user support for the 300 kV Titan Krios.
  • Contribute to scientific innovation through technology development, publications, presentations, and knowledge sharing.

What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Scientist we seek is a researcher with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
Doctorate degree PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
OR
PharmD
OR MD [and relevant post-doc where applicable]
OR
Master's degree and 3 years of Structural Biology experience
OR
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of Structural Biology experience
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with X-ray crystallography, MicroED, electron tomography, or integrative structural biology.
  • Experience supporting structure-based drug discovery in an industry setting.
  • Experience studying membrane proteins, antibodies, multispecifics, GPCRs, or other challenging therapeutic targets.
  • Experience developing new methodologies that improve throughput, reproducibility, or success rates.
  • Familiarity with automated data collection software such as EPU.
  • Experience mentoring scientists or training CryoEM users.
  • Record of scientific publications, presentations, or technology innovation.
  • Passion for collaborative science and continuous improvement.
  • Experience scripting/coding with Python and/or other programming languages is a plus.
  • Experience operating Glacios, Titan Krios, or equivalent high-end CryoEM instrumentation is a plus.

What you can expect from us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.
The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.

Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
careers.amgen.com
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadline
Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Salary Range
142,518.65USD -192,819.35 USD