Protein Scientist, Assistant Director or Associate Director
$144,200–$196,444 year
On-siteCarlsbad, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead design, engineering, expression, purification, and characterization of protein ligands and fusion constructs for protein-oligonucleotide conjugate programs. Translate hits from primary screens into optimized lead molecules with improved expression, stability, and manufacturability. Develop production strategies across microbial and mammalian systems and design engineered formats suitable for scale-up and conjugation workflows. Oversee analytical characterization of recombinant proteins and partner closely with chemistry and development teams to ensure construct compatibility. Drive experimental strategy, data interpretation, and decision-making across multiple programs while mentoring scientists to build internal capability. Present results and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams and senior leadership. This hands-on laboratory role requires a PhD in protein science or related field with significant industry experience in recombinant protein production and protein engineering.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in protein science, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or related discipline
- Relevant industry experience
- At least 5 years of relevant industry experience (for Assistant Director)
- At least 8 years of relevant experience (for Associate Director)
- Significant hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification in both microbial and mammalian systems
- Demonstrated expertise in protein engineering and design, including construct optimization for expression, stability, and function
- Strong track record of advancing protein molecules from early discovery or screening through lead optimization and scale-up
- Experience generating and evaluating protein fusions or other complex engineered protein formats
- Experience with analytical methods used for protein characterization
- Strong scientific judgment, experimental rigor, and problem-solving ability in a fast-moving research environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across disciplines
- Excellent track record of publications
- Ability to manage multiple assignments effectively in a quickly evolving environment
- An entrepreneurial spirit; enthusiasm and vision for converting cutting-edge science into commercial applications
- Hands-on laboratory based effort
Desired Qualifications
- Experience supporting protein-based ligand discovery programs
- Experience with protein constructs intended for bioconjugation or oligonucleotide conjugation
- Familiarity with protein structure-guided design, computational design tools, or directed evolution approaches
- Experience scaling protein production to support preclinical or development-stage studies
- Prior leadership experience in matrixed, cross-functional research teams
- Experience working at the interface of protein engineering, conjugation chemistry, and therapeutic platform development
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.