Protein Crystallization Specialist

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, is looking for the right people to accomplish our Mission: to build lasting partnerships that enable the life sciences industry to accelerate discovery and innovation in research and manufacturing.  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 (with relocation bonus as needed), attractive benefits (such as medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); parental leave; PTO and paid holidays; etc.) and an exciting work environment.  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 Crystallization Specialist to join our San Diego based team.

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

• Managing crystal dewar shipments to synchrotron (physical and administrative), assembling and disassembling and cleaning crystal loops, general laboratory maintenance
  • Must be able to lift/move shipping dewars (~40-50lbs)
• Aliquoting solutions trays for protein screening
• Setting up initial trays, designing and setting up optimization experiments, conducting crystal soaks; Generating crystals of proteins,  antigen-Fab complexes, and protein-small molecule complexes; Other crystallization-related experiments as needs arise.
  • Must be skilled in crystallization of proteins (setting up initial and designing optimization trays, experience with multiple crystallization approaches and techniques, crystal soaking, cryoprotecting, mounting, and cryo-freezing)
  • Experience with using crystallization and imaging robotics is a plus
• Analyzing quality of diffraction and rapidly communicating scientific results and insights to the team
  • Must be experienced in analyzing qualitative data.
  • Experience presenting data would be advantageous.
  • Experience of MS Office including LIMS and eLNs is desirable.
• Maintaining reagent stocks
• Making cryo grids
  • Prior experience preparing cryo grids is desirable.

Job requirements include, but are not limited to:

• BS or MS in Biochemistry or a related field with at least 6 months of relevant lab experience outside of academia.
• Team player mentality with strong written and verbal communication skills. Will be required to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including structural biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics.
• The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and details oriented, with the skills necessary to operate effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment with flexibility and an adaptable approach to goal delivery.

This job posting will close by January 30th 2026 or when candidates are identified, whichever comes first.