Maragin - Senior Scientist in Protein Research

Medna; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Maragin Health Foundation in Irving, Texas, seeks a Senior Scientist in Protein Research to advance the Protein Therapeutics Development Program. You will apply protein biochemistry and molecular biology to design and optimize expression, purification, and analytical workflows in collaboration with MEDNA and academic partners.

This role emphasizes hands-on experimentation, documentation, and dissemination through manuscripts, grants, and conferences, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years direct experience in molecular biology, protein purification, and analytical characterization.
• Ability to design and execute experiments independently with strong documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
• Lead or support molecular cloning and construct design for microbial and mammalian expression systems.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for protein quality, stability, and functional activity.
• Collaborate with MEDNA scientists, university partners, and internal teams to advance translational research and pharmaceutical development.
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Maintain accurate documentation of experiments, technical reports, and SOPs.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant proposals, and conference presentations.
• Participate in lead optimization and in vivo pharmacology studies as part of therapeutic validation efforts.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Molecular biology

Protein purification

Analytical method development

Collaboration

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

SEC-MALS

SPR

Job description

Description

About Maragin Health Foundation

Maragin Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Irving, Texas, dedicated toadvancing science and technology to improve healthy living for all. The Foundation’s mission is to bridge innovation and impact, transforming scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that enhance human health and quality of life.

Maragin Health focuses on three core areas:

• Driving Innovation in Biology and AI
  Developing advanced capabilities insynthetic biologyandartificial intelligenceto create new technologies for protein design, molecular engineering, and transformative biomedical applications.
• Translating Research into Impact
  Partnering withuniversities and research institutesto accelerate the translation of cutting-edge discoveries into practical, validated solutions that improve health and well-being.
• Advancing Healthy Aging
  Supporting and conducting research onaging and healthspan, while promoting evidence-based insights on how biotechnology can help people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

The Maragin Lab and the MEDNA Collaboration

TheMaragin Lab, located in theMEDNA Buildingin Irving, Texas, serves as the Foundation’s central research facility for experimental and translational work. The lab operates within a collaborative environment shared withMEDNA scientists, fostering an interdisciplinary community of researchers working at the intersection of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and pharmaceutical development. Through close collaboration with MEDNA and university partners, Maragin scientists pursue projects that span from molecular design to preclinical validation, enabling rapid translation of innovation into practical solutions that improve human health.

Program Overview: Protein Therapeutics Development Program

TheProtein Therapeutics Development Programat Maragin Health Foundation focuses on advancing innovations in protein science and biologics through partnerships with leading academic laboratories and translational research centers. The program’s goal is to move promising biological discoveries intovalidated leads,optimized candidates, andearly pharmaceutical development.

Technical areas includemolecular cloning,microbial and mammalian protein production,protein chemistry and engineering,biologics formulation, andin vivo pharmacology studies. The program contributes both tohigh-impact scientific publicationsand to the development ofnovel protein-based therapeuticsthat can meaningfully improve human health.

Position Summary

The Senior Scientist in Protein Research (JO-97) will play a key role in driving research and development efforts within the Protein Therapeutics Development Program. This position requires strong technical expertise inprotein biochemistryandmolecular biology, with practical experience inprotein purification,characterization, andanalytical method development. The role involves close collaboration withacademic and MEDNA partnersto advance early-stage discoveries into validated therapeutic candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize experiments in protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
• Lead or support molecular cloning and construct design for microbial and mammalian expression systems.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for protein quality, stability, and functional activity.
• Collaborate with MEDNA scientists, university partners, and internal teams to advance translational research and pharmaceutical development.
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Maintain accurate documentation of experiments, technical reports, and SOPs.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant proposals, and conference presentations.
• Participate in lead optimization and in vivo pharmacology studies as part of therapeutic validation efforts.

Qualifications

• Education:Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Experience:Minimum of 2 years of direct work experience in one or more of the following:
  • Molecular biology and recombinant expression systems
  • Protein purification and analytical characterization
  • Protein chemistry and structure–function analysis
  • Analytical or pharmaceutical development
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments independently.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Proven track record of working effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary environment.
• High attention to detail, critical thinking, and scientific rigor.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with AI structural modeling.
• Familiarity with HPLC, LC-MS, SEC-MALS, SPR, or other biophysical analytical methods.
• Background in protein formulation, stability testing, or pharmacokinetic studies.
• Experience collaborating with academic institutions or translational research programs.
• Understanding of preclinical or early-stage pharmaceutical development principles.

Why Join Maragin Health Foundation

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to amission-driven organizationdedicated to advancing protein science for human health. The Senior Scientist will work at the intersection ofacademic discovery,AI-enhanced biology, andapplied pharmaceutical development, with the chance to contribute to bothhigh-impact scientific publicationsandtranslational breakthroughs.

Working alongside a network ofinnovative scientistsprovides a unique environment where discovery meets real-world application. The role is ideal for a scientist who values curiosity, precision, and collaboration—and who seeks to make a tangible difference through biotechnology and biomedical science.