Pharma Biochemist

Cogent Scientific; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Parental leave

PTO and paid holidays

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Cogent Scientific is seeking a Pharma Biochemist to design and optimize protein purification workflows and support cryo-EM grid preparation. The role emphasizes high-purity sample production, QC testing, and meticulous record-keeping in a dynamic lab.

The candidate will handle chromatography workflows and collaborate across teams, with a focus on reliable data and protocol integrity in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS—Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Chemistry, or Biology with ≥2 years protein handling experience.
• Experience with protein quality assessment techniques (SDS-PAGE, ÄKTA, HPLC, SEC, UV) preferred.
• Experience in structural biology or cryo-EM is a plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; adaptable and fast learner.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and test protein purification workflows.
• Perform multi-step chromatography to obtain high-purity samples.
• Optimize buffer conditions for cryo-EM grid prep.
• Prepare and screen cryo-EM grids and assess quality.
• Perform QC assays (SDS-PAGE, DLS, mass photometry, negative-stain EM).
• Maintain detailed protocol records and sample provenance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Protein purification

Cryo-EM prep

SDS-PAGE

Data recording

Team collaboration

Education

BS - Biochemistry / Biophysics / Structural Biology

Tools

ÄKTA

HPLC

SEC

UV spectroscopy

Job description

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, is looking for the right people to accomplish our Mission: to support the life sciences industry by cultivating and empowering exceptional scientists to deliver specialized laboratory services that advance research, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation through quality and a shared commitment to excellence. We can offer you the chance to build on your skills and knowledge while working among experts in their fields and with cutting-edge instrumentation.

Cogent Scientific offers competitive pay, attractive benefits (such as medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); parental leave; PTO and paid holidays; etc.) and an exciting work environment. This position may include relocation benefits as well. We aim to recruit the best people who stand out among their peers and embody our Core Values:

• Client Focused: We only succeed when our clients succeed.
• Outstanding: We deliver meticulous results through outstanding performance.
• Good: We act ethically and morally.
• Employee-Centric: We honor and support our employees.
• Nimble: We are prepared to adapt in an ever-changing industry.
• Team-Oriented: We collaborate with each other and with our clients.

• medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)
• parental leave
• PTO and paid holidays
• etc.
• relocation benefits as well

We currently have a role available for a Pharma Biochemist.

Job duties

• Designing, executing and testing protein purification workflows, including conditions tailored to fragile complexes or samples with significant structural flexibility
• Performing multi-step chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, size-exclusion) to achieve high-purity, monodisperse protein/complex samples
• Optimizing buffer conditions and sample stability for cryo-EM grid preparation
• Preparing and screening cryo-EM grids; evaluating particle distribution and ice quality
• Performing QC assays (SDS-PAGE, DLS, mass photometry, negative-stain EM) to assess sample homogeneity prior to data collection
• Maintaining detailed records of protocols, results, and sample provenance
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Job requirements

• BS - Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Chemistry, or Biology, with prior laboratory experience (at least 2 years) involving protein handling, biochemistry, and purification.
• Familiarity with protein quality assessment or characterization techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, ÄKTA, HPLC, SEC, UV spectroscopy).
  • Experience in structural biology or cryo-EM is preferred, but not required.
• Strong organizational skills and impeccable verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work well both independently and within a team.
• Very strong problem-solving skills, a high level of learning agility, and the ability to work across functions.
• The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic and self-motivated, with the leadership and communication skills necessary to operate effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment with flexibility and an adaptable approach to goal delivery.

This is an onsite, day shift position (approx. 8a-5p local time).

Cogent Scientific provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.

Additionally, if you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

This job posting will close by 12/31/2026 or when a candidate is identified, whichever comes first.