Associate Director/Director, Protein Sciences

SystImmune is a leading and well-funded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in Redmond, WA and Princeton, NJ, specializing in developing innovative cancer treatments using its established drug development platforms. The company focuses on bi-specific, multi-specific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), with 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 discovery and IND-enabling stages.

About the role

We are seeking an Associate Director or Director of Protein Sciences to lead antibody target protein expression, purification, and characterization in support of oncology biologics programs from early discovery through IND-enabling activities. This role will build and lead a team responsible for delivering high-quality protein material in functionalized formats suitable for evaluation of monoclonal, bispecific, and multi-specific antibodies and ADC-ready molecules. The ideal candidate will partner closely with Protein Engineering, Antibody Discovery, Analytical Sciences, and external partners to advance programs from concept to candidate selection and IND submission.

This role is full-time onsite at our Bothell, WA location.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Protein Sciences group, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and career development of scientists and research associates
• Serve as the target protein science subject-matter expert on cross-functional program teams; present strategy, results, and risk assessments to senior leadership
• Lead the Protein Sciences function responsible for end-to-end protein production workflows, including construct design, transient and stable mammalian expression (HEK293, CHO), high-throughput and preparative purification, and quality control
• Direct purification process development for complex membrane proteins, nanodisc, and multi-molecule complexes; resolve antibody binding sites, PPI site occlusions, and functional site prediction
• Establish and oversee biochemical and biophysical characterization capabilities (SEC, HPLC/UPLC, CE-SDS, cIEF, DSF/DSC, SPR/BLI, mass spectrometry) to confirm identity, purity, stability, and binding
• Design and implement automation, high-throughput screening workflows, and structured data capture to increase departmental capacity, quality, and reproducibility
• Stay current with advances in protein engineering, expression technologies, and analytical methods, and champion adoption of new technologies where they add value

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, protein chemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field; M.S. or B.S. with commensurate additional experience will be considered
• 8+ years (Director) or 6+ years (Associate Director) of relevant industry experience in biologics discovery and development
• 3+ years of people-management experience leading scientists in a protein sciences, protein production, or biologics discovery setting
• Deep hands-on expertise in mammalian expression systems and multi-modal antibody purification (Protein A/L, ion exchange, HIC, SEC, mixed-mode)
• Demonstrated experience producing and characterizing complex biologics, including:
  • Membrane proteins
  • Dimer and heterodimer complexes
  • Engineered molecules for proving PPI and antibody binding sites
• Strong working knowledge of biophysical characterization techniques and data interpretation (SPR/BLI, SEC-MALS, DSF/DSC, mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis)
• Proven track record of advancing molecules from discovery through candidate selection and supporting IND-enabling activities
• Excellent scientific judgment, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with high-throughput automation platforms (liquid handlers, parallel purification systems) and structured data capture (ELN/LIMS)
• Experience in oncology biologics and understanding of tumor-targeting antibody design principles
• Mandarin-English bilingual ability
• Prior contribution to regulatory filings (IND/IMPD) and interactions with process development or quality organizations

Core Competencies

• Scientific rigor with strong operational execution
• Team leadership and talent development
• Cross-functional collaboration and influence
• Technical problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Agility in a dynamic R&D environment
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability

Success Metrics

• Deliver high-quality protein reagents and candidate molecules on program timelines
• Build and develop a scalable, high-performing Protein Sciences team and infrastructure
• De-risk candidate molecules through rigorous characterization and developability assessment
• Build trust across functions as a strategic and operational partner

Schedule

This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for working hours, with flexibility to work start time. The work location for this role is in Bothell, WA. May need to work outside of standard working hours at times.

Pay

The expected base salary range for this position is $180,000 - $240,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s level, qualifications, experience, and skills.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 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