Protein Scientist

General Job Description

The Protein Scientist supports the design, production, purification, and structural characterization of recombinant proteins and their interactions with virus glycoproteins for therapeutic and research applications. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to develop and optimize protein constructs and purification processes, characterize protein quality and function using complementary analytical methods, and determine protein or protein-complex structures using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and/or cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).

• Design and optimize recombinant protein constructs, including domain boundaries, affinity tags, linkers, and multimeric assemblies, to support expression, purification, functional studies, and structural analysis.
• Develop, optimize, and scale up protein purification processes for recombinant proteins, predominantly expressed in mammalian cells.
• Operate and maintain ÄKTA FPLC systems and other purification equipment. Perform chromatography techniques, including affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
• Analyze protein purity, integrity, and quality using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and other analytical methods.
• Characterize proteins using complementary biophysical and biochemical methods, including binding kinetics and affinity (SPR/BLI), thermal stability (DSF), aggregation behavior (SLS), secondary structure (CD), and molecular mass and oligomeric state (SEC-MALS).
• Prepare and optimize protein and protein-complex samples for cryo-EM and/or cryo-ET, including assessment of sample homogeneity, complex formation, stability, and suitability for structural studies.
• Conduct cryo-EM and/or cryo-ET structural studies, including grid preparation, vitrification, data collection, image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction, and structural interpretation. Apply atomic model building and refinement where resolution permits.
• Integrate structural, biochemical, and biophysical findings to guide protein design and explain structure–function relationships.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in protein design, purification, characterization, and structural analysis workflows.
• Manage a catalog of protein reagents, define and maintain quality control and release criteria, generate Certificates of Analysis, and coordinate shipments to internal and external partners.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and findings in detailed reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with protein engineering, upstream, downstream, and structural biology teams to align project objectives, timelines, and protein design with downstream applications.
• Stay current with advancements in protein design, purification, characterization, and structural biology technologies.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical or Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, or a related field, with hands-on experience in recombinant protein design, expression, and purification using mammalian and/or E. coli systems.
• Three or more years of relevant experience in protein purification and characterization.
• Hands-on experience with affinity purification approaches, such as Protein A, Protein G, Protein L, Ni-NTA, Strep-Tactin, and C-tag.
• Proficiency in chromatography techniques and ÄKTA systems.
• Strong analytical skills and practical experience using multiple complementary protein characterization methods, such as SPR/BLI, SEC-MALS, DSF, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in cryo-EM and/or cryo-ET for protein or protein-complex structure determination, including sample preparation, image processing, and three-dimensional reconstruction. For cryo-ET, experience with subtomogram averaging is particularly relevant.
• Experience with relevant structural analysis software, such as RELION, cryoSPARC, IMOD, or comparable tools, appropriate to the candidate’s cryo-EM or cryo-ET background.
• Strong understanding of protein structure–function relationships and experience with protein design, structure prediction, and visualization tools, such as AlphaFold, PyMOL, and ChimeraX.
• Good understanding of molecular and cellular biology preferred.

Required Skills and/or Qualifications

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to independently design experiments and critically interpret complementary biochemical, biophysical, and structural data.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to present data, structural findings, and proposals to a range of audiences.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing at laboratory benches.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.