Research Scientist, Protein Sciences at Protego Biopharma, Inc. – San Diego, California

Position Summary – Temporary Protein Sciences Research Scientist

Protego Biopharma is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Scientist to join our Protein Sciences Discovery team. The successful candidate will design, develop, and execute innovative protein-based biochemical and biophysical assays to investigate protein structure, stability, and dynamics.

We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented scientist with a strong foundation in assay development, quantitative analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. This is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact within a fast-paced, discovery-focused biotech environment dedicated to advancing next-generation therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute biochemical assays to evaluate protease activity, substrate specificity, and protein structural stability.
• Apply deep understanding of protein folding, kinetics, and mechanism-of-action to support drug discovery programs.
• Integrate kinetics, biophysical methods to characterize protein conformation, folding, and stability across multiple discovery projects.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data; generate high-quality reports and presentations for internal review and external collaboration.
• Contribute to method transfer and technology implementation between discovery and development teams.
• Uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor, data integrity, and documentation.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in protease biochemistry, including assay design and kinetic characterization.
• Proficiency in HTRF, TR-FRET, and FP assay development.
• Hands-on experience with biophysical and biochemical techniques for protein conformation, folding, and stability analysis.
• Familiarity with HPLC and related analytical instrumentation for protein characterization.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification (bacterial, insect, or mammalian systems).
• Direct experience with mass spectrometry (intact protein analysis, peptide mapping) is highly desirable.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to reproducibility and quality.
• Proven collaborative mindset, thriving in cross-functional project teams.
• Adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment with shifting priorities.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field with 3–5 years of relevant industry experience, or
• B.S./M.S. in a related field with 8–10+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial research or drug discovery setting.
• Prior experience in biotech or pharmaceutical environments is strongly preferred.

Compensation & Employment Details

• Pay range: $100,000 – $150,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
• Employment type: Temporary, full-time (3-month term)
• Work environment: On-site, laboratory-based position

Why Join Protego Biopharma

At Protego Biopharma, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery programs that unite protein sciences and protease biochemistry with state-of-the-art biophysical and analytical technologies. You’ll collaborate with a team of passionate scientists driven by curiosity, innovation, and a shared commitment to transforming scientific insight into therapeutic impact.