Senior Scientist - Structural Biology

Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Yoh, a leading staffing company, seeks a Scientist/Senior Scientist specializing in Structural Biology in South San Francisco. The successful candidate will focus on using protein crystallography to advance pre-clinical studies, actively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance drug discovery efforts. A Ph.D. and 5+ years of relevant experience are required, coupled with excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits

401K Retirement Savings Plan

Referral Bonus Programs

Certification and training opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in protein crystallography.
• Demonstrated success in solving high-quality X-ray crystal structures.
• Self-motivated and collaborative with a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute crystallization experiments for protein-ligand complexes.
• Deliver high-resolution X-ray co-crystal structures.
• Collaborate with computational chemists to validate structural models.

Skills

Protein crystallography

Protein structure

Protein-ligand interactions

Protein chemistry

Excellent communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Structural Biology

Tools

Phenix

CCP4

HKL3000

Coot

PyMOL

Crystallization robotics

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company

Yoh is seeking a highly motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist - Structural Biology with deep expertise inprotein crystallographyto join a dynamicLead Discovery team. This multidisciplinary group includes structural biologists, biochemists, protein chemists, biophysicists, and automation specialists, all working collaboratively to support pre-clinical drug discovery efforts.

The core focus of this role is to generate and analyze high-resolution protein–small molecule complex structures using X-ray crystallography. Once structures are determined, the successful candidate will distill and communicate key insights to the medicinal chemistry team, guiding the optimization of chemical compounds. Close collaboration with protein sciences and computational chemistry teams is essential.

The ideal candidate brings experience supporting small molecule drug discovery and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment.

Industry: Research & Discovery
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Compensation: $74-$82/hr (based upon experience)
Type: Full-Time (Contract)

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute crystallization experiments for protein-ligand complexes.
• Deliver high-resolution X-ray co-crystal structures and provide actionable, structure-based insights to medicinal chemistry teams.
• Perform sparse matrix screening, crystal optimization, harvesting, and cryoprotection.
• Partner with protein chemistry teams on construct design and protein production strategies.
• Collaborate with computational chemists to validate structural models and refine ligand interactions.
• Engage with project teams to prioritize structural biology efforts that enhance compound potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
• Maintain detailed and organized electronic lab notebooks.
• Contribute to the development of structural biology strategies across multiple drug discovery programs.
• Communicate findings clearly and effectively across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in protein crystallography within a gene-to-structure laboratory.
• Demonstrated success in solving and interpreting high-quality X-ray crystal structures.
• Strong foundation in protein structure, protein-ligand interactions, and protein chemistry.
• Proficiency with crystallization robotics (e.g., Mosquito, NT8, Dragonfly, RockImager).
• Skilled in data processing, structure determination, (MR, model building, ligand fitting), and structure validation.
• Familiarity with crystallographic software such as Phenix, CCP4, HKL3000, Coot, and PyMOL.
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and visual—for presenting scientific data.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and adaptable with a strong work ethic and a growth mindset.
• Experience with electron microscopy preferred.
  

#IND-SPG


Estimated Min Rate: $74.00
Estimated Max Rate: $82.00


What’s In It for You?
We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh’s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh’s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh’s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements. Benefits include:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities
  

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Science

• Industries

  Biotechnology Research, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Research Services

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