Protein Purification & Expression Biochemist

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 Biochemist to join our San Diego based team.

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

• High-throughput purification of recombinant proteins for structural studies and biochemical assays using standard chromatographic methods and automated parallel processing systems
  • Experience in batch binding purification and high throughput setup is required. Must be able to lift 45 lbs
  • Experience with AKTA chromatography system is required.
  • Protein purification by affinity (Nickel, FLAG, GST, Strep, MBP etc.), ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography are required; Experience in using ultrafiltration/diafiltration/tangential flow filtration device (e.g. AKTA Flux or similar device) are desirable
  • Analysis of protein purity using SDS-page gel electrophoresis and western blot required
  • Quantitation experience of protein concentration by Bradford assay and UV spectroscopy required
  • Antibody purification experience is preferred.
  • Experience in membrane protein biochemistry is a plus
• Protein expression in both mammalian and non mammalian cell lines
  • Must have experience transfecting and expressing proteins in various cell lines.

• Accurate and timely entry of all experimental data into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and electronic laboratory notebooks
• Storage, retrieval, and shipping of protein samples utilizing Microsoft Excel, barcodes, and LIMS
  • Prior inventory management experience is desirable.
  • Must have attention to detail and ability to keep accurate records
• Work closely with cross-functional colleagues and project teams to generate appropriate target proteins for drug discovery
• Interact effectively with other team members to address technical challenges

Job requirements include, but are not limited to:

• BS/MS degree in Biological Sciences (or related field) and 6 months - 1 year laboratory experience in either industry or academia is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite as well as LIMS and ELNs.
• Organized and effective at multi-tasking, with the ability to run several purification experiments simultaneously
• Must exhibit the ability to solve problems, be self-motivated and capable of working independently, while contributing to a project team environment
• 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 February 28th 2026 or when candidates are identified, whichever comes first.