Careers

Protein Purification Scientist

Salary range:

$78,000 - $102,000

Full-time, exempt

The Protein Purification Scientist supports the development and optimization of protein purification processes. This role will involve working closely with cross-functional teams to purify and characterize proteins for therapeutic and research applications.

Duties and responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up protein purification processes for recombinant proteins – predominantly expressed in mammalian cells.
• Operate and maintain AKTA FPLC systems and other purification equipment. Perform chromatography techniques, including affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
• Analyze protein purity and quality by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and other analytical methods. 
• Characterize proteins using biophysical and biochemical methods, such as binding kinetics (BLI), thermal stability (DSF/SLS), and secondary structure (CD).
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in protein purification workflows.
• Manage a catalog of protein reagents, defining and maintaining quality control and release criteria, as well as generating Certificates of Analysis. Document experimental procedures, results, and findings in detailed reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams to ensure seamless process integration, to align project objectives, timelines, and design needs with downstream applications
• Oversee quality control and release criteria, generate Certificates of Analysis, and manage the shipment of protein materials to internal and external partners
• Stay current with advancements in protein purification technologies and methodologies. – 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 / Protein Engineering, or a related field; with hands-on experience with protein expression and purification (Mammalian & E. Coli).
• Good understanding of molecular and cellular biology preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience and hands-on experience in protein purification (industry experience preferred), including Protein A, Protein G, Protein L, Ni-NTA, StrepTactin, C-tag.
• Proficiency in chromatography techniques and AKTA systems.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with protein characterization methods. Proficiency in biophysical and analytical methods: SPR/BLI, CD, SEC-MALS, DSF, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting.
• Strong understanding of the biophysics of protein structure/function relationships and confidence with structure modeling and visualization tools (e.g., PyMOL, ChimeraX, AlphaFold) preferred.
• Experience with scale-up and tech transfer of purification processes preferred.
• Familiarity with automation and high-throughput purification systems preferred.

Required skills and/or qualifications

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team
• Strong communication skills and ability to present data 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.

Benefits

• Group Healthcare Plan, including company paid dental and vision.
• Short- and long-term disability, life and AD&G insurance.
• Simple IRA with employer match
• Educational assistance program
• Holiday and PTO