Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

SystImmune, Inc.; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

PTO 15 days

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Job summary

SystImmune, Inc. in Bothell, WA is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead protein engineering efforts for therapeutic antibodies, including bispecifics and ADCs.

This role emphasizes data analysis, project management, and driving decisions to advance programs. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in industry, a PhD in biochemistry/biophysics or related field, deep antibody engineering expertise, and experience with AI/ML tools.

Qualifications

• Eight-plus years of industry experience in antibody engineering or related biotherapeutics.
• Deep expertise in designing and optimizing therapeutic antibody candidates.
• Proven ability to lead projects and manage timelines in fast-paced environments.
• Strong data analysis skills and experience with AI/ML tools for protein engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advance antibody engineering projects, coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Apply deep engineering expertise to design and optimize bispecific/multi-specific formats.
• Drive data-driven decisions and report results to leadership.
• Mentor junior scientists and oversee lab operations and safety.

Skills

Antibody engineering

Data analysis

AI/ML

Protein purification

Team leadership

Experimental design

Education

PhD in biochemistry / biophysics / molecular biology / structural biology / cell biology

Tools

FPLC

HPLC

BLI/SPR

DLS/SLS

LIMS

PCR / DNA sequencing

Job description

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.

SystImmune is seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Protein Engineering group and help advance novel therapeutic antibodies, including bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), through discovery and into development. This is a scientist role with a strong emphasis on data analysis and drug development: you will design and interpret experiments, manage project timelines, and translate results into decisions that move programs forward.

The ideal candidate has deep, hands-on antibody engineering expertise gained in industry, a high-level understanding of the responsibilities of the role, and the ability to work independently to meet high-demand deadlines. The candidate keeps current with emerging scientific techniques, brings competency in AI/ML and computational methods, and is expected to eventually supervise research associates.

This is a full-time onsite position in Bothell, WA and will require some evening meetings.

Requirements

Scientific Leadership and Project Management

• Lead and advance target projects: conduct literature reviews, coordinate cross-functional teams, set and manage project timelines, and compile comprehensive data reports.
• Apply deep antibody engineering expertise to the design, optimization, and characterization of therapeutic antibody candidates, including bi-specific and multi-specific formats.
• Stay current with novel scientific techniques and technologies, and evaluate and introduce state-of-the-art approaches that accelerate project timelines and drive impactful discoveries.
• Work independently and prioritize effectively to meet high-demand deadlines in support of multiple drug development programs.

Data Analysis and Drug Development

• Contribute scientific input to project planning and drug development strategy in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Apply computational, statistical, and programming tools to analyze data and support candidate selection.

Experimental Expertise

• Direct and perform protein purification (affinity, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography on FPLC systems) and protein analytics (HPLC, BLI/SPR for protein-protein interactions, and DLS/SLS thermal melts for stability).
• Oversee and perform mammalian expression and cell culture.
• Fluent inmolecular biology techniques such as Gibson and Golden Gate Assemblies, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and plasmid preparation.

AI/ML and Computational Methods

• Apply AI/ML and computational approaches to protein engineering and data analysis workflows.
• Use AI-assisted coding tools and coding agents, and evaluate AI agents, to improve the speed and quality of analysis and scientific work.

Team Leadership and Lab Management

• Mentor junior scientists and research associates, and over time supervise research associates, fostering a culture of collaboration and scientific excellence.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with company standards (including the laboratory information management system), ensure safety compliance, and support lab organization and operations.

Requirements

• PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, or a related field.
• 8+ years of industry experience is required.
• Strong understanding of antibody engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet high-demand deadlines, and to manage project timelines.
• Strong data analysis skills and a track record of contributing to drug development.
• Expertise in protein purification and handling; strong background in molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics, and biochemistry.
• Competency in AI/ML and computational skills, including familiarity with AI agents and AI-assisted coding tools and coding agents.
• Ability to maintain records within a laboratory information management system (LIMS), and to review and synthesize recent relevant literature.
• Strong publication record of multiple high-impact papers in relevant fields.

Preferred

• Experience with mammalian expression systems.
• Prior experience mentoring or supervising laboratory staff.

Compensation and Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $160,000 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.