Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate, IHC Biomarker Development

Systimmune•Bothell, WA

2d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

SystImmune is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Research Associate II or Senior Research Associate to support the development, optimization, and validation of immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays and early-stage biomarker work in support of clinical trial programs. This is a bench-focused role involving close collaboration with scientists, pathologists, and cross-functional project teams. The position is full-time and onsite at the Bothell, Washington facility. The successful candidate will perform histology and IHC workflows on FFPE tissue, support assay feasibility, optimization, and analytical validation, and maintain sample integrity and compliant documentation. They will operate and maintain automated staining platforms and related equipment, capture and summarize data, manage laboratory materials, and support assay transfer and validation activities.

Requirements

BS or MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
For Research Associate II: bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of industry experience.
For Senior Research Associate: bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of industry experience, or master's degree with at least 3 years of industry experience.
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 and 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.
Experience with Akoya PhenoImager HT platforms.

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 such as Ventana and 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 for blocks, slides, labeling, and 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.