Biochemical Engineer
Date: Sep 21, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Biological and Chemical Technologies Group addresses critical national security challenges through application of advanced biology and chemistry approaches. Our multi-disciplinary team leverages cutting-edge capabilities that include cellular and synthetic biology, molecular and microorganism engineering for novel bioproduction and sensing platforms, bioinformatics and computational biology for rational design, microfluidics and high-throughput screening technologies, advanced molecular analysis and analytical chemistry, and organic synthesis. These capabilities are applied to missions spanning biosecurity and biodefense, biomanufacturing, chemical, biological, and explosives (CBE) detection and attribution, medical diagnostics and countermeasures, pathogen characterization, molecular intelligence, DNA forensics, and bio-enabled additive manufacturing.
Job Description
The Biological and Chemical Technologies Group seeks a candidate to join a multidisciplinary team to apply chemistry and biology to national security challenges. These projects include development of materials used for detecting chemicals and proteins, design of enzymes used for bio-manufacturing chemicals and novel materials, and applying computational methods to develop new proteins and small molecules. The ideal candidate will be capable of computationally designing, building, testing, and iterating on engineered proteins and/or small molecules, and closing the loop between in silico hypotheses and experimental validation. This is a high-impact role for someone who wants to shape both the design strategy and the experimental execution behind next-generation molecular design, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and biomanufacturing programs, to include rational design, directed evolution, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. The candidate will work with in-house experts in biosynthesis and biomanufacturing; molecular and cellular biology; bioinformatics; complex in vitro models; computational, organic, and analytical chemistry; and artificial intelligence/machine learning to develop multidisciplinary innovative solutions to complex national security challenges that no single discipline can address independently. These team-based projects apply a deep understanding of chemistry and/or biology, involve written communication of results, and regular interactions with representatives of external collaborator organizations. Anyone with experience and interest in these areas and who wishes to become a member of our team is encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. or M.S. with a minimum of five years of experience in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Biology, or Protein Engineering or related field. A strong knowledge of both computational methods and chemistry and/or biology with demonstrated experience using and assessing computational tools in areas such as structure prediction/generation, diffusion modeling, ligand docking, molecular dynamics, molecular design, and basic bioinformatics analysis. Strong candidates will have demonstrated an in-depth understanding of both enzyme structures / mechanisms and physical organic chemistry. At least 10 years of work experience after a PhD is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and graphical) are also required.
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
- MIT-funded pension
- Matching 401K
- Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
- Mentorship programs
- A range of work-life balance options
- ... and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 43349
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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