Computational Protein Engineer

Gables Search Group; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Gables Search Group is assisting a research-driven biotechnology organization in Rockville, MD to hire a Computational Protein Engineer who will lead hands-on antibody and protein engineering programs, integrating wet-lab experimentation with computational design to accelerate discovery.

You will apply AlphaFold, Rosetta, and ProteinMPNN, collaborate with structural biologists and chemists, and communicate progress to stakeholders while shaping long-term research impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, protein science, or a related discipline.
• Industry experience conducting hands-on antibody or protein engineering research.
• Strong expertise in protein expression, purification, characterization, and assay development.
• Experience with bispecific antibodies, nanobodies, multispecific proteins, or similar modalities.
• Familiarity with computational protein design and structure-prediction platforms.
• Scientific contributions demonstrated through publications, patents, or successful development programs.
• Ability to lead technical projects and collaborate across scientific disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead antibody and protein engineering programs, including affinity maturation, multispecific antibodies, and novel binder development.
• Develop protein expression, purification, and analytical characterization workflows across multiple formats.
• Design binding, biochemical, and functional assays to evaluate engineered candidates.
• Apply tools such as AlphaFold, Rosetta, and ProteinMPNN to prioritize designs and guide laboratory strategies.
• Partner with structural biologists and computational scientists to translate modeling insights into experimental programs.
• Provide technical leadership across complex, multidisciplinary research initiatives.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and project progress to scientific stakeholders.

Skills

Antibody engineering

Protein engineering

Expression & purification

Assay development

Computational design

Leadership

Education

PhD in biochemistry or related discipline

Tools

AlphaFold

Rosetta

ProteinMPNN

Job description

We are recruiting for a research-driven biotechnology organization seeking a Computational Protein Engineer to lead hands‑on antibody and protein engineering programs in Rockville, Maryland. This position combines wet‑lab experimentation with computational design tools to accelerate discovery, guide design decisions, and improve experimental outcomes. The organization offers scientists meaningful independence, access to accomplished colleagues, and the opportunity to pursue creative research with long‑term impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead antibody and protein engineering programs, including affinity maturation, multispecific antibodies, and novel binder development
• Develop protein expression, purification, and analytical characterization workflows across multiple formats
• Design binding, biochemical, and functional assays to evaluate engineered candidates
• Apply tools such as AlphaFold, Rosetta, and ProteinMPNN to prioritize designs and guide laboratory strategies
• Partner with structural biologists and computational scientists to translate modeling insights into experimental programs
• Provide technical leadership across complex, multidisciplinary research initiatives
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and project progress to scientific stakeholders

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, protein science, or a related discipline
• Industry experience conducting hands‑on antibody or protein engineering research
• Strong expertise in protein expression, purification, characterization, and assay development
• Experience with bispecific antibodies, nanobodies, multispecific proteins, or similar modalities
• Familiarity with computational protein design and structure‑prediction platforms
• Scientific contributions demonstrated through publications, patents, or successful development programs
• Ability to lead technical projects and collaborate across scientific disciplines