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 projects. This role requires strong technical expertise in protein production and analytical techniques, effective communication with clients and project teams, and collaboration on multiple research projects within an on-site laboratory environment in Indianapolis.
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 biopharmaceutical Contract Research Organization (CRO).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client seeks a Scientist focused on Protein Production to join a West Indianapolis, IN-based team supporting structure- and discovery-focused projects for biopharmaceutical clients. This bench-facing role will express, purify, and biophysically characterize recombinant proteins across bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems to generate high-quality reagents for structural biology, antibody discovery, and protein-engineering projects.
What You’ll Do
- Express and purify recombinant proteins (bacterial, insect, mammalian) to meet quality and yield targets within industrial timelines.
- Develop and optimize expression and purification workflows for new and challenging targets.
- Apply analytical and biophysical methods (SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western blot, TSA, DLS, mass spectrometry, etc.) to assess sample purity, integrity, and stability.
- Generate milligram-to-gram quantities of well-characterized protein reagents for downstream studies.
- Document experiments, maintain accurate lab records, and write technical reports for internal teams and external clients.
- Communicate project status and results to project teams and clients; present findings in written and oral formats.
- Provide technical input to project planning and method improvement efforts; mentor junior staff as appropriate to level of hire.
Required Qualifications
The level of hire will depend on experience; minimums include one of the following:
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, protein engineering, or related field; OR
- Master’s degree plus 2–5 years of relevant industrial experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree plus 5–10 years of relevant industrial experience.
Additional required skills:
- Demonstrated hands-on experience expressing and purifying recombinant proteins in bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems (experience across all three is strongly preferred).
- Proficiency with analytical/biophysical techniques used during purification (SDS-PAGE, SEC, Western blot, TSA, DLS, mass spectrometry, or similar).
- Ability to produce and characterize milligram-to-gram amounts of high-quality protein reagents.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to collaborate across project teams.
Preferred / Additional Qualifications
- Experience designing and engineering expression constructs and optimizing production for structural/functional studies.
- Familiarity with structural biology workflows (X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM) and related software (e.g., Phenix, CCP4, Coot, PyMOL) is a plus.
- Experience with Cryo-EM grid vitrification and screening is helpful but not required.
- Background in protein engineering, computational analysis of ligand–protein complexes, or related approaches.
- Strong organizational skills and a willingness to tackle technically challenging problems.
Location, Schedule & Work Authorization
- This position is based in West Indianapolis, Indiana (no hybrid/remote option).
- Occasional flexible hours may be required for time-sensitive experiments.
- Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. Confidential Client does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Physical & Safety Requirements
- Able to lift up to 30 lb objects (approx. dimensions: 30" H x 18" W).
- Able to perform standard bench work and visualize samples under microscopes.
- Must follow lab safety practices and use PPE (safety goggles, masks, gloves, lab coats/gowning, closed-toe shoes).
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary + annual bonus (salary estimate available in source posting).
- Eligible for relocation package.
- Retirement plan with matching 401(k).
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Company-provided Apple computer (or equivalent).
About the employer
This opportunity is with a Confidential Client operating as a biopharmaceutical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that provides protein production, structural biology imaging (X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM), computational modeling, and supporting discovery services for biopharma partners. The organization values high-quality reagents, reliable bench execution, and collaborative project delivery.
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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