Scientist, DNA Construct & Plasmid Map QC

SystImmune 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). 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 a Scientist level molecular biologist to lead DNA construct design, high-throughput cloning, and sequence quality control for our AI-driven antibody and protein discovery platform. This hands-on role will deliver sequence-verified constructs to support a range of research and expression applications, while maintaining accurate, traceable records linking each molecular design to its corresponding physical sample.

This is full-time onsite in Bothell, WA.

Responsibilities

• Design expression constructs and primers, selecting appropriate vectors, regulatory elements, tags, and codon usage for the intended expression system.
• Execute and troubleshoot cloning, assembly, and site-directed mutagenesis using methods such as Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, restriction–ligation, and In-Fusion.
• Develop and scale plate-based cloning workflows, including bacterial transformation, colony screening, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification.
• Review Sanger and whole-plasmid sequencing data against intended designs; investigate sequence discrepancies and document construct release decisions.
• Maintain annotated, version-controlled plasmid maps and sequence records in Geneious with traceability to sample IDs and storage locations.
• Establish naming conventions, annotation standards, QC acceptance criteria, and SOPs; monitor cloning success and turnaround time.
• Partner with protein science and automation teams to transfer verified constructs into expression workflows and improve reproducibility and throughput.

Qualifications 

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field with 0–3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong practical expertise in DNA construct and primer design, molecular cloning, and troubleshooting, including proficiency in at least two assembly or cloning approaches.
• Proficiency in Benchling, Geneious, or comparable software for sequence analysis, alignment, plasmid annotation, and construct record management.
• Experience interpreting sequencing results, identifying sequence errors, and maintaining accurate plasmid maps and sample records.
• Experience with parallel or plate-based cloning workflows, strong attention to detail, and clear documentation and cross-functional communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 96-well cloning, whole-plasmid NGS analysis, or liquid-handling automation.
• Antibody construct design across formats such as Fab, IgG, VHH, scFv, and multispecific proteins.
• Python or other scripting skills for sequence processing, QC, or workflow automation.
• Familiarity with protein purification and characterization, including ÄKTA, SEC, BLI, or SPR.

Compensation and Benefits:
The expected base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $115,000 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 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.