Computational Scientist

Computational Structural Bioinformatics Scientist – Protein Modeling & Binder Design

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Computational Structural Bioinformatics Scientist – Protein Modeling & Binder Design for a direct hire position with our Client in Pasadena, CA. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career.

Pay: $120-175k depending on experience

Schedule: Mon-Fri onsite

Overview

Our client is advancing AAV capsid and receptor research through computational protein modeling, experimental evidence integration, and binder design.

In this role, you will build reproducible computational workflows to evaluate AAV capsid–receptor docking poses, plan experiments to test predicted binding interfaces, and design candidate binders against an agreed confirmed or provisional epitope. You will deliver documented workflows, ranked results, analysis, and an end-to-end example for the Client’s chosen cloud environment.

Responsibilities:

• Configure and implement a workflow for AAV capsid–receptor docking, incorporating relevant experimental binding evidence to evaluate and rank alternative poses. Produce structure files, interface analyses, summary figures, and documentation of uncertainty.
• Develop a prioritized experimental plan for leading epitope hypotheses, including proposed substitutions or constructs, controls, assay readouts, interpretation criteria, and competition testing of pilot binder candidates.
• Develop and assess binder design workflows for VHH, scFv, peptide, and modified AAV capsid formats. Rank pilot candidates for experimental testing, document design and scoring outputs, and provide scale-up recommendations and an integrated, reproducible workflow.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, structural biology, biophysics, computational chemistry, or a related field as preferred
• 5+ years of experience with structural bioinformatics, protein–protein docking, and analysis of protein interfaces.
• 5+ years of experience developing or applying computational protein modeling or binder design workflows, including one or more of the VHH, scFv, peptide, or modified AAV capsid formats.
• 5+ years Programming experience for reproducible scientific workflows and familiarity with cloud environments such as GCP or AWS; ability to interpret experimental binding evidence and communicate modeling limitations.