Scientist/Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

SystImmune is a leading and well-funded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in Redmond, WA and Princeton, NJ. It specializes in developing innovative cancer treatments using its established drug development platforms, focusing on bi-specific, multi-specific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). SystImmune has multiple assets in various stages of clinical trials for solid tumor and hematologic indications. Alongside ongoing clinical trials. SystImmune has a robust preclinical pipeline of potential cancer therapeutics in the discover and IND-enabling stages, representing cutting-edge biologics development. We offer an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making significant contributions to the company's success.

We are seeking an innovative Scientist or Senior Scientist with industry experience in protein biochemistry, cell biology, and biologics drug development. In this laboratory-based role, you will be responsible for designing novel reagents, cell lines, and assays in support of functional screening of biologics leads. Furthermore, you will be executing display-based campaigns while interfacing with other members of the research team to achieve protein design goals. The position reports to the Director of Protein Engineering. The ideal candidate will have broad experience in one or more of the following fields: protein biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and assay development.

This position is full-time onsite in Redmond, WA and will transition to our new Bothell, WA facility in fall 2026.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and generate novel cell-based and biochemical assays as well as associated cell lines for use in functional screening of lead biologics (e.g. reporter assays for specific target signaling).
• Develop and implement high throughput cell-free expression of antigens and Ab-based binder molecules for fast screening of lead molecules
• Design and execute on display-based protein engineering campaigns of binder and effector molecules including affinity modulation, stability optimization, and development of novel properties (e.g. pH, epitope masking, etc.).
• Optimize methods to efficiently execute functional screening and protein engineering campaigns (e.g. library generation and sample preparation, NGS sequencing, flow cytometry-based lead selection, etc.).
• Design novel platforms for faster evaluation and screening of immune-based repertoires from immunized animal sources or display methods for use in both discovery and protein engineering campaigns.
• Utilize data analysis tools to evaluate large datasets to inform iterative protein design.
• Stay updated on advancements in instrumentation, software, and methodologies, currently utilized in high throughput screening and display-based protein engineering.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and implement solutions to optimize lead molecules, ensuring data quality and integrity throughout the discovery and optimization process. Utilize LIMS system and maintain accurate and timely records and meet internal reporting standards.
• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), perform general laboratory duties, prepare experiment designs and execute data analyses.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in bioengineering, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field. 3+ year industrial drug development experience preferred. 
• 2+ years of experience using generating novel cell lines and/or assay development
• Experience in utilizing display technologies (yeast/phage) to discover and engineer novel binders and lead molecules of different classes (e.g. Ab, Fab, scFv, VHHs, etc.)
• Extensive experience in FACS-based selection and sorting
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following workstreams: library design and generation, display-based selection, protein engineering, and assay development
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, FlowJo,) and statistical analysis of experimental results.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical issues and implement effective solutions
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• On-site work is mandatory.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This individual will work in cell culture laboratory alongside other scientists and in a standard business office with desktop business equipment and a moderate noise level.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time. This individual must be able to operate standard laboratory and business equipment.

Compensation and Benefits:
The expected base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $130,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s level qualifications, experience, and skills. 
While most offers typically fall within the low to mid-point of the range, we may extend an offer toward the higher end for exceptional candidates whose background and expertise exceeds the requirements of the role.

 
SystImmune is a leading and well-funded biotech company with a bright future. We offer an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making significant contributions to the company’s success. SystImmune offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 100% paid employee premiums for medical/dental/vision, also STD, LTD, a 401(k) plan with a 50% company match of up to 3% and a vesting schedule of only 5 years, 15 PTO days per year, sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays and MORE.

 
We offer an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making significant contributions to the company’s success.

 
SystImmune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diverse talent and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.