Research Associate II/Sr. Research Associate, Laboratory Automation

SystImmune, Inc.; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium health benefits

401k with company match

Paid time off 15 days

Job summary

SystImmune, Inc. in Bothell, WA is seeking a Research Associate II or Senior Research Associate, Laboratory Automation to join the AIDD Automated Wet Lab team.

This on-site role focuses on building and operating a semi-automated wet lab and transferring validated manual workflows to reliable automated processes. The successful candidate will develop liquid-handling methods, integrate instruments, troubleshoot runs, and own multiple automated workflows within 12 months, enhancing throughput and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a life science field with relevant automation exposure.
• 2+ years of industry experience for Associate II or 3+ years for Senior level.
• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handlers or robotics.
• Ability to develop, modify, test, and document automated methods and labware.
• Strong troubleshooting and instrument-maintenance skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize automated dispensing, mixing, incubation, plate-handling, and magnetic-bead purification methods.
• Develop, modify, test, and document automated methods and labware settings.
• Own routine method adjustments, run scheduling, and first-line troubleshooting.
• Support integration of liquid handler with robotic arms and external instruments.
• Perform qualification runs, investigate failures, and maintain validated method versions.
• Support barcode tracking and future LIMS integration.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Method development

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field

Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field

Tools

Hamilton STAR

Hamilton VENUS

Opentrons

Python

APIs

LIMS

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 Research Associate II or Senior Research Associate, Laboratory Automation to join the AIDD Automated Wet Lab team in Bothell, WA. This is a newly created position established to build and operate a semi-automated wet lab and to support the move toward full automation. The Research Associate will provide the hands‑on capacity to develop liquid-handler methods, integrate instruments, troubleshoot runs, and convert validated manual workflows into reliable automated processes.

The Research Associate will independently run and maintain at least one validated automated workflow with complete SOPs. By twelve months, the candidate will own multiple workflows, improve throughput and reliability, and support barcode tracking and future LIMS integration. This position is primarily on‑site at our Bothell, WA facility. Contribute to building out the new automated wet lab and its robot-based workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize automated dispensing, mixing, incubation, plate-handling, and magnetic-bead purification methods.
• Develop, modify, test, and document automated methods and labware settings.
• Own routine method adjustments, run scheduling, and first-line troubleshooting within approved protocols.
• Support integration of the liquid handler with robotic arms and external instruments.
• Perform qualification runs, investigate failures, and maintain validated method versions.
• Support barcode tracking and future LIMS integration.
• Coordinate routine maintenance and vendor service for automation equipment.
• Maintain SOPs, training materials, and run documentation.
• Escalate safety, capital, and major platform decisions to the hiring manager.
• Work with the Protein Science Research Associate to transfer validated assays onto the automation platform.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, 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.
• Hands‑on experience with automated liquid handlers or comparable laboratory robotics.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, modify, test, and document automated methods and labware settings.
• Strong troubleshooting, validation, and instrument‑maintenance skills in a laboratory environment.

Preferred

• Experience with Hamilton STAR instruments or the Hamilton VENUS software environment.
• Experience with Opentrons platforms.
• Experience with robotic plate handling, plate readers, and incubators.
• Experience with magnetic‑bead workflows.
• Programming experience in Python and experience working with APIs.
• Experience with barcode tracking or a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Experience with autonomous mobile robots (AMR).

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and work at the bench or instrument platform for extended periods, and to occasionally lift or move laboratory equipment, reagents, and supplies.

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 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.

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