RA-II/Sr. Research Associate Protein Engineering

SystImmune is a leading and well-funded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in Bothell, 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 a highly motivated Research Associate or Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join our Protein Engineering team. This role is ideal for a protein biochemistry-focused scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about therapeutic antibody development.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced scientists to execute and optimize protein purification workflows, support transient mammalian expression, and perform analytical characterization and developability assessments. This individual will play a critical role in delivering high-quality protein reagents that directly enable discovery and preclinical development. Over time, this role is expected to grow toward greater scientific independence and technical ownership.

This is a full-time onsite position in Bothell, WA and follows a  Thursday through Monday work schedule, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute daily protein purification workflows using FPLC ÄKTA systems (affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography).
• Develop and support scalable, robust purification processes for antibody and recombinant protein constructs.
• Operate and maintain FPLC and HPLC/UPLC systems with high efficiency and data integrity.
• Perform analytical characterization of purified proteins, including SEC-based purity and aggregation assessments.
• Support routine transient transfections of CHO cells for mammalian protein expression.
• Assist in cell culture maintenance and harvest processing for downstream purification.
• Conduct biochemical and biophysical characterization to support developability assessments.
• Maintain detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists to prioritize workflows, troubleshoot challenges, and meet program timelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of purification and analytical workflows to enhance throughput and quality.

Required Skills & Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Protein Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
  • Research Associate II requires bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of industry experience.
  • Senior Research Associate requires bachelor’s degree with 5+ years or master’s degree with 3+ years of industry experience.
• Must have 3+ years of hands-on industry experience in protein purification.
• Strong background in protein biochemistry and chromatographic techniques.
• Demonstrated experience with FPLC ÄKTA purification systems.
• Experience operating HPLC/UPLC systems, specifically size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
• Familiarity with affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography methods.
• Basic understanding of mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with therapeutic antibodies or antibody fragments.
• Experience with CHO cell culture and transient transfection workflows.
• Experience with mammalian expression systems.
• Exposure to biophysical characterization techniques relevant to protein developability.

Work Schedule:

• This position follows a  Thursday through Monday schedule, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Tuesday and Wednesday are regular days off.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The expected base salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000 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.