Principal Scientist, Immuno-Oncology

Syst Immune 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). Syst Immune has multiple assets in various stages of clinical trials for solid tumor and hematologic indications, along with a robust preclinical pipeline of potential cancer therapeutics in the discover and IND‑enabling stages.

We offer an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making significant contributions to the company’s success.

• Design, establish, and execute mechanism‑driven in vitro and in vivo preclinical models (including ex vivo / human translational systems as appropriate) to identify and characterize novel immuno‑oncology antibody therapeutics.
• Develop fit‑for‑purpose functional assays aligned to proposed MOA (e.g., immune cell activation, cytotoxicity, cytokine profiles, phenotyping) and define appropriate controls, acceptance criteria, and decision‑making metrics.
• Drive target and pathway evaluation and translate immunobiology into therapeutic hypotheses; propose and assess bispecific, multi‑specific, and combination strategies with clear differentiation and risk‑mitigation plans.
• Serve as a scientific leader on cross‑functional teams (Protein Engineering, Antibody Discovery, Analytical) to align on molecule design requirements, assay plans, and program milestones.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists; set technical direction, ensure high‑quality execution, and champion rigorous experimental design, documentation, and reproducibility.
• Author high‑quality study reports, protocols, and presentations; communicate program strategy and data to internal governance and external partners as needed.
• Contribute to IND‑enabling documentation by providing clear scientific rationale, study summaries, and data interpretation for regulatory submissions (domestic and international).
• Lead immuno‑oncology preclinical project(s), including timelines, resourcing, and risk/issue management; drive decisions that enable progression to development.
• Other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related field with 5‑10+ years relevant academic and/or biotech/pharma experience.
• Strong background in immune cell biology, T cell functional assay development, antibody‑based drugs, and receptor signaling.
• Demonstrated expertise in immuno‑oncology preclinical models and mechanism‑driven in vitro assays using primary human immune cells (e.g., functional co‑cultures, flow cytometry phenotyping, cytokine profiling).
• Experience advancing antibody‑based therapeutics, with bispecific/multispecific and/or combination program experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams, mentor others, and communicate clear, data‑driven recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills and a collaborative, agile “can‑do” mindset.

• Bench top work in a BSL‑2 laboratory environment, including potential exposure to biohazards.
• Adherence to Health and Safety standards when working with temperature‑controlled systems, including liquid and vapor phase liquid nitrogen.

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds.
• Requires repetitive multi‑channel pipetting, single channel pipetting, and computer data entry.
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office and lab equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment.
• Stooping, bending, crouching, reaching, or climbing ladders.

• 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 Redmond, WA.

• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences encouraged.

The expected base salary range for this position is $130,000 – $160,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s 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.

Syst Immune 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.

Syst Immune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diverse talent and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.