Protein Purification/Expression Biochemist

Cogent Scientific; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Parental leave

PTO and holidays

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, seeks a Protein Purification/Expression Biochemist to join the San Diego team. The role involves designing expression and production experiments for recombinant proteins, implementing purification strategies, and ensuring high-quality protein material for structural and functional studies.

Preferred candidates hold BS/MS in Biochemistry or related fields with 3–5 years of industrial lab experience, strong communication, teamwork,

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Biochemistry, Molecular/Cellular Biology, or related field with 3–5 years of industrial lab experience outside academia (MS with 1–2 years considered).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work both independently and in teams.
• Demonstrated leadership, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and adaptability to a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct expression and production experiments for recombinant proteins (small and large scale).
• Perform protein purification using chromatography methods and purification optimization to improve yield.
• Characterize proteins using biophysical techniques and ensure well-characterized products.
• Analyze data with E-notebook and share results promptly across teams.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Biochemical techniques

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry or related field

Master's degree in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Cytiva AKTA FPLC

Unicorn software

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.

We currently have a role available for a Protein Purification/Expression Biochemist to join our San Diego team.

Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Designing and conducting experiments for expression and production processes of recombinant proteins, both on a small and large scale.
  • Prior experience with protein expression in bacteria and eukaryotic systems required.
  • Experience with protein purification techniques, including column chromatography (affinity, size exclusion, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, etc.), ultrafiltration, and dialysis as well as familiarity with Cytiva AKTA FPLC system and Unicorn software are required.
  • Must be able to lift up to 20lb.
• Understanding the quality requirements for proteins used in structural and functional studies, and developing protocols to deliver well-characterized proteins accordingly.
  • Knowledge of biophysical techniques for protein characterization, such as mass photometry/spectroscopy, differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), HPLC, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), is a plus.
• Reviewing and optimizing purification processes and methods to improve yields, reduce costs, and produce consistent products.
• Analyzing and capturing experimental data using E-notebook, and sharing data in a timely manner.

Job requirements include, but are not limited to:

• BS-Biochemistry, Molecular/Cellular Biology or a related field with 3-5 years of industrial lab experience outside of academia. MS in the same fields with 1-2 years of industrial lab experience outside of academia will also be considered.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.
• Works well both as a team and as an individual.
• Demonstration of excellent team player skills, very strong attention to detail, very strong problem-solving skills, a high level of learning agility, and the ability to work across functions. The ideal candidate will 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 a 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 remain open until 9/28/2026 or until a qualified candidate has been selected, whichever comes first.