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, and will partner closely with Protein Engineering, Antibody Discovery, Analytical Sciences, and external partners to advance programs from concept to candidate selection and IND submission.
The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on expertise in mammalian protein expression, purification of protein complexes, and biophysical characterization, structural biology along with strong scientific judgment and people leadership skills. This individual will serve as a technical and operational hub for critical protein production across the discovery portfolio, ensuring that molecule quality, structural reagent relevance, and timelines meet the needs of fast-moving oncology programs. A key aspect of this role is enabling antibody structural and functional characterization through protein target engineering and rigorous characterization.
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, nano-disc, and multi-molecule complexes, resolve antibody bindings site, 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
Qualifications- 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 in this role will be defined by the ability to:- 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
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work- May need to work outside of standard working hours at times
- 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
Compensation and BenefitsThe 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.
While most offers typically fall within the low to mid-point of the range, we may extend an offer toward the higher end for exceptional candidates whose background and expertise exceeds the requirements of the role.
SystImmune offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 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, plus 11 paid holidays and MORE.
