Research Assistant – Protein Production Scientist at Argonne National Lab
*Please answer the questions below when you apply to this position*
Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL
Our client, Argonne National Laboratory is hosting a new early-stage biotech startup developing recombinant elastic and thermoresponsive protein materials to enable fully bio-based, high-performance stretch in textiles. Our work integrated protein engineering, bioprocessing, and materials characterization to support circular and scalable textile innovation.
The team is searching for a contract scientist to support recombinant protein purification, sample
preparation, and materials characterization in collaboration with internal teams, contract research
partners, and national lab user facilities.
Project Length = 3 Months.
Work site location = Lemont, IL
Major Responsibilities:
- Protein Purification and Processing
Identify optimal elastic protein expression clones through high-throughput screening in E. coli systems. - Collaborator & Contract Research Support
Prepare, document, and ship protein and material samples to external collaborators
Receive cell pellets from partners for downstream processing - Materials Characterization Support
Support characterization of structural, mechanical, and chemical properties of materials across form factors (protein, fiber, non-woven, woven)
Assist with sample preparation and data collection for techniques such as SEM, spectroscopy, and related analyses. - Project & Lab Support
Maintain protocols and documentation
Communicate results with internal teams and external partners
Support iterative optimization based on characterization feedback
Required Skills:
BS or MS in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry.
Minimum of 1 year of proficiency in relevant instrumentation or experience in areas of specialized expertise as identified by the program requirements.
Hands-on expertise in recombinant protein purification and analytical characterization
(e.g., SDS-PAGE)
Familiarity with biomaterials processing and/or textile-relevant material formats preferred
Experience supporting collaborative or multi-institution research projects strongly preferred
Strong organization, documentation, and communication skills.
If you would like to be considered for this role, you need to submit your resume before 6/14/26.
If you or anyone you know is interested, qualified and immediately available please answer the below questions and send an updated resume to us for immediate review and consideration. Candidates are required to answer the below questions when applying:
Do you have a BS or MS in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry?
On what date are you able to start this full-time position?
Do you have at least 1 year of proficiency in relevant instrumentation or experience in areas of specialized expertise as identified?
Do you have reliable transportation to Lemont, IL 5-days per week for this position?
Is $27.00 per hour an acceptable rate for you accepts this position?