Computational Protein Engineer

Gables Search Group; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Gables Search Group is seeking a Computational Protein Engineer in Rockville, Maryland to lead hands-on antibody and protein engineering programs. The role blends wet-lab experimentation with computational design tools to accelerate discovery and guide design decisions.

You will collaborate with structural biologists and computational scientists to translate modeling insights into experimental work, manage projects, and communicate 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.

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

Hands-on protein engineering

Leadership

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, protein science

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