Scientist - Protein Production
The Scientist - Protein Production at Confidential Client is responsible for expressing and purifying recombinant proteins across bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems, performing biophysical characterization to ensure protein quality and stability, and optimizing protocols to support structure-based drug discovery and protein engineering projects. This role requires strong technical expertise in protein production techniques, effective communication with clients and project teams, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced CRO environment. The position is on-site in Indianapolis and offers opportunities for professional growth based on experience.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, a contract research organization (CRO) serving the biopharmaceutical / early drug discovery industry.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Summary & Why This Matters
Confidential Client is seeking a Scientist focused on protein production to join their Indianapolis, IN laboratory team. This role supports structure- and antibody-focused discovery programs by producing high-quality recombinant protein reagents, optimizing expression/purification workflows, and delivering timely technical reports for clients and internal project teams.
What You’ll Do
This is a hands-on bench scientist role with direct impact on early drug discovery timelines and data quality.
- Express and purify recombinant proteins using bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems to meet project quality and yield targets.
- Develop and optimize expression constructs and purification workflows to accelerate project timelines.
- Characterize samples using biophysical and analytical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western blot, TSA, DLS, mass spectrometry).
- Troubleshoot sample quality and stability issues; iterate on constructs and protocols.
- Document experimental work clearly and deliver written technical reports and oral updates to project teams and clients.
- Provide technical input to cross-functional teams; mentor or guide junior staff as appropriate to level of hire.
- Contribute to continuous-improvement initiatives to raise throughput, robustness, and reproducibility of protein production workflows.
Minimum Qualifications
The role is open to entry-level through experienced candidates; final level and scope will be matched to experience.
- PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, protein engineering, or a related field; OR
- Master's degree plus 2–5 years of relevant industry experience; OR
- Bachelor's degree plus 5–10 years of relevant industry experience.
- Demonstrated competency in recombinant protein expression and purification across bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems—hands-on experience in all three systems strongly preferred.
- Experience producing milligram-to-gram quantities of well-characterized protein reagents for downstream structural or functional studies.
- Practical experience with standard analytical/biophysical techniques (SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western blot, TSA, DLS, mass spectrometry, etc.).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare clear technical reports.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- Experience engineering constructs and optimizing production for structural biology (X-ray crystallography or Cryo-EM) or functional assays.
- Familiarity with structural biology workflows (sample assessment, crystallization, grid vitrification/screening) and relevant software (Phenix, CCP4, Coot, PyMOL).
- Experience with protein engineering or computational approaches to ligand–protein analysis.
- Track record of solving challenging technical problems in a team-oriented CRO or industrial setting.
Location, Work Authorization & Schedule
This position is based in Indianapolis, IN and does NOT offer a hybrid option. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; Confidential Client is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role. The role may require flexible hours occasionally to support time-sensitive experiments and interaction with external service vendors.
Physical & Laboratory Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 30 lb objects (approx. 30" × 18").
- Able to visualize microscopic objects and perform standard lab manipulations.
- Must follow lab safety practices and use appropriate PPE (safety goggles, mask, gloves, lab coat/gowning, closed-toe shoes).
Compensation & Benefits (summary)
- Competitive salary + annual bonus (estimated market data referenced).
- Eligible for relocation package (when applicable).
- Retirement plan with company match (401(k)).
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Company-provided laptop (Apple).
- Additional benefits and perks may be provided per Confidential Client policy.
Other Hiring Details & Candidate Experience
- This role will be evaluated and the final level of hire will depend on demonstrated skills and experience.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please notify Careertakes if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process.
- Confidential Client prohibits unlawful discrimination and is committed to an inclusive workplace.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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