diff --git a/modules/spatiotemporal/test/test_make_graph.py b/modules/spatiotemporal/test/test_make_graph.py
index f98f76ad37..96700c6196 100644
--- a/modules/spatiotemporal/test/test_make_graph.py
+++ b/modules/spatiotemporal/test/test_make_graph.py
@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ def test_prepare_protein_library(self):
         """
         Test setting up a preparing a protein library for spatiotemporal library
         """
+        if pandas is None:
+            self.skipTest(
+                'pandas not available, will not test preparing protein library')
         # set input dir
         state_dict, expected_subcomplexes, exp_comp_map = setup_system()
         with IMP.test.temporary_directory() as tmpdir: