Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

Systimmune•Alderwood Manor, WA

4d•$90,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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 in molecular biology techniques such as Gibson and Golden Gate Assemblies, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and plasmid preparation.
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.
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.