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Immune System Key Ltd · Life sciences

Associate Director/Director, Protein Sciences

Immune System Key Ltd Posted Aug 20, 2026
Salary · per posting
$180k – $240k/yr
Workplace
On-site / per employer
Posted
Aug 20, 2026

About this role

Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.Associate Director/Director, Protein SciencesBothell, WAFull TimeProtein SciencesExecutiveShareSystImmune 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 anAssociate Director or Director of Protein Sciencesto 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.ResponsibilitiesLead and manage the Protein Sciences group, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and career development of scientists and research associatesServe as the target protein science subject-matter expert on cross-functional program teams; present strategy, results, and risk assessments to senior leadershipLead 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 controlDirect 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 bindingDesign and implement automation, high-throughput screening workflows, and structured data capture to increase departmental capacity, quality, and reproducibilityStay current with advances in protein engineering, expression technologies, and analytical methods, and champion adoption of new technologies where they add valueQualificationsPh.D. in biochemistry, protein chemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field; M.S. or B.S. with commensurate additional experience will be considered8+ years (Director) or 6+ years (Associate Director) of relevant industry experience in biologics discovery and development3+ years of people-management experience leading scientists in a protein sciences, protein production, or biologics discovery settingDeep 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 proteinsDimer and heterodimer complexesEngineered molecules for proving PPI and antibody binding sitesStrong 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 activitiesExcellent scientific judgment, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environmentPreferred QualificationsFamiliarity 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 principlesMandarin-English Bilingual AbilityPrior contribution to regulatory filings (IND/IMPD) and interactions with process development or quality organizationsCore CompetenciesScientific rigor with strong operational executionTeam leadership and talent developmentCross-functional collaboration and influenceTechnical problem-solving and troubleshootingAgility in a dynamic R&D environmentStrong sense of ownership and accountabilitySuccess in this role will be defined by the ability to:Deliver high-quality protein reagents and candidate molecules on program timelinesBuild and develop a scalable, high-performing Protein Sciences team and infrastructureDe-risk candidate molecules through rigorous characterization and developability assessmentBuild trust across functions as a strategic and operational partnerPosition Type/Expected Hours of WorkMay need to work outside of standard working hours at timesThis 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, WACompensation 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 thelow to mid-pointof 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 is a leading and well-funded biotech company with a bright future.

We offer an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making significant contributions to the company’s success. 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.We offer an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making significant contributions to the company’s success.SystImmune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diverse talent and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.Compensation and Benefits:ShareApplyApply for this positionRequired*First Name*Last Name*Email Address*Phone*Address*Resume*We've received your resume.

Clickhereto update it.Attach resumeorPaste resumeAttach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) orPaste resumePaste your resume here orAttach resume fileCover LetterWho referred you to this position? Enter their first and last name here.Are you willing to relocate?*No answerYesNoWhat's your citizenship / employment eligibility?*No answerI am a U.S. Citizen/Permanent ResidentNon-citizen allowed to work for any employerNon-citizen allowed to work for current employerNon-citizen seeking work authorizationI am a Canadian Citizen/Permanent ResidentOtherWhat's your highest level of education completed?*No answerGED or EquivalentHigh SchoolSome CollegeCollege - AssociatesCollege - Bachelor of ArtsCollege - Bachelor of Fine ArtsCollege - Bachelor of ScienceCollege - Master of ArtsCollege - Master of ScienceCollege - Master of Fine ArtsCollege - Master of Business AdministrationCollege - DoctorateMedical DoctorOtherCollege or University*Are you 18 years of age or older?*No answerYesNoLinkedIn Profile URL:*What languages do you speak fluently?*Desired salary*Earliest start date?*In 150 characters or fewer, tell us what makes you unique.

Try to be creative and say something that will catch our eye!150What is the most technically difficult protein or protein complex you personally expressed and purified? In 2–3 sentences, describe the expression system, the primary purification challenge, and what you changed to solve it.*The following questions are entirely optional.To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law.

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Originally posted by Immune System Key Ltd. View original posting