Scientist/Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

SystImmune, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee premiums for Med/DV

401(k) plan with company match up to 3

15 PTO days per year

Sick leave

11 paid holidays

Job summary

SystImmune, Inc. in Bothell, WA, seeks an innovative Scientist/Senior Scientist with protein biochemistry, cell biology, and biologics drug development experience.

You will design reagents, cell lines, and assays to support functional screening of lead biologics, and execute display-based campaigns interfacing with the research team to meet protein design goals. The role reports to the Director of Protein Engineering.

Qualifications

• PhD in bioengineering, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, cell biology, or related.
• 3+ years of industrial drug development experience preferred.
• 2+ years of experience generating novel cell lines and/or assay development.
• Experience with display technologies (yeast/phage) to discover and engineer novel binders and lead molecules.
• Extensive experience in FACS-based selection and sorting.
• Proficiency in library design, display-based selection, protein engineering, or assay development.
• Experience with data analysis software (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo) and statistics.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, ability to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
• On-site work is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Design and generate novel cell-based and biochemical assays and cell lines for lead biologics screening.
• Develop high throughput cell-free expression of antigens and binder molecules for fast screening.
• Execute display-based protein engineering campaigns including affinity and stability optimization.
• Optimize methods for functional screening and library preparation, sequencing, and cell sorting.
• Design platforms for faster evaluation of immune repertoires from immunized sources or display methods.
• Analyze large datasets to inform iterative protein design.
• Stay updated on instrumentation, software, and methods in high throughput screening.
• Write SOPs and maintain records per internal standards.

Skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis software

Education

PhD in bioengineering or related

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

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.

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 Bothell, WA.

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

• PhDin 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

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 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.

SystImmune is a leading and well-funded biotech company with a bright future.