Research Associate I/II – Clinical Pathology/IHC Biomarker Development
About The Position
SystImmune is a leading and well-funded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in Redmond, 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 organized and detail-oriented Research Associate I/II to support the development, optimization, and validation of immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. This role will contribute to early-stage biomarker in support of clinical trial programs. The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years of hands-on industry experience in histology, IHC, or a regulated laboratory environment (e.g., CLIA/CAP, GLP). This is a bench-focused position requiring close collaboration with scientists, pathologists, and cross-functional project teams.
Requirements
- BS or MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
- 1–3 years of hands-on experience in histology and/or IHC assay execution within a research or regulated diagnostic laboratory.
- Experience handling FFPE tissues and operating automated IHC staining platforms.
- Strong attention to detail with excellent documentation and record-keeping practices.
- Ability to follow SOPs and work effectively in CLIA-, GxP-, or ISO-regulated environments.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting IHC assay optimization and/or analytical validation studies.
- Exposure to Akoya platforms and multiplex immunofluorescence projects.
- Experience with digital pathology, slide scanning, or image analysis tools.
- Knowledge of antibody characterization and tissue-based biomarker assay development.
Responsibilities
- Perform tissue sectioning of FFPE blocks.
- Route and support H&E staining workflows.
- Perform routine IHC staining on FFPE tissue specimens using automated platforms (e.g., Ventana, Leica).
- Conduct antibody titrations, protocol optimization, slide preparation, and quality control checks.
- Assist in generating feasibility, optimization, and analytical validation data for emerging CDx assays.
- Manage tissue samples and associated documentation.
- Prepare tissue sections, including slide cutting, baking, antigen retrieval, and reagent preparation.
- Maintain sample integrity, traceability, and documentation in compliance with quality system requirements.
- Support tissue handling workflows (blocks, slides, labeling, storage) within GLP or CLIA/CAP environments.
- Accurately record experimental data in ELN and/or LIMS systems.
- Capture high-quality slide images and perform basic image analysis.
- Assist with slide scoring preparation and data summaries.
- Summarize experimental findings for internal meetings and assay development reviews.
- Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot automated IHC staining platforms and related laboratory equipment.
- Perform routine instrument maintenance and maintain equipment logs per laboratory quality systems.
- Monitor and manage inventory of reagents, antibodies, controls, and consumables.
- Collaborate with scientists, pathologists, QA, and clinical development teams on assay transfer, optimization, and validation activities.
- Support preparation of study materials, controlled documents, and protocol execution for validation studies.
Benefits
- 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
- 11 paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
