Also called: Computational Protein Designer, De Novo Protein Engineer
Uses AI tools to invent brand-new proteins that don't exist in nature, for medicines and materials.
Generates thousands of protein designs with AI models to bind a virus, picks the best 100 to make in the lab, and tests which ones actually work. This field won a Nobel Prize in 2024.
Estimate; industry pays more than universities.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biology or a related field, often plus a postdoc.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biochemistry, Computer Science, Biophysics.
Growing faster than average. Tracks BLS life scientists (medical scientists and biochemists grow faster than average).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI now generates most candidate proteins itself; fewer designers are needed, and lab testing and picking real problems stay human.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.