Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

Syst Immune 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). Syst Immune has multiple assets in various stages of clinical trials for solid tumor and hematologic indications. Alongside ongoing clinical trials. Syst Immune 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.

Syst Immune 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.

This is a full-time onsite position in Bothell, WA and will require some evening meetings.

• 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.

• 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…