Automated Protein Production Specialist

About Xaira Therapeutics

Xaira is an innovative biotech startup focused on leveraging AI to transform drug discovery and development. The company is leading the development of generative AI models to design protein and antibody therapeutics, enabling the creation of medicines against historically hard-to-drug molecular targets. It is also developing foundation models for biology and disease to enable better target elucidation and patient stratification. Collectively, these technologies aim to continually enable the identification of novel therapies and to improve success in drug development.

Position Overview

As an automated protein production specialist, you will utilize your expertise in laboratory automation, molecular biology, and analytics to produce, purify, and QC proteins at high throughput. You will work closely with biologists and the lab automation team to operate liquid handlers and analytical instruments and play a critical role in optimizing the molecular production pipeline to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput. Your contributions will be essential in advancing our capabilities in drug development.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of biologists, protein engineers, and data scientists to gather and analyze requirements for process automation and optimization.
• Operate integrated lab automation workcells with liquid handlers to produce and purify proteins at high throughput.
• Optimize existing automated processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and document molecular production and analytical workflows, providing technical support and expertise to ensure continuous operation.
• Document and communicate automation strategies, SOPs/protocols, and outcomes, contributing to knowledge sharing and best practices within the company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field; PhD is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in molecular biology and cell culture (mammalian and microbial) within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in operating automated liquid handlers.
• Strong background in biochemical molecular analysis, designing and implementing biological assays and/or chemical processes.
• Proficiency in molecular biology analytical methods (gel electrophoresis, DNA quantification, HPLC, plate readers, CE-SDS).
• Familiarity with laboratory information management system (LIMS) and electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate complex technical information to non-experts.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation in biotechnology and drug development.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.

Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, seeking to provide an open, flexible, and friendly work environment to empower employees and provide them with a platform to develop their long-term careers. A Summary of Benefits is available for all applicants. The base pay range for this position is expected to be $135,000 - $168,000 annually; however, the base pay offered may vary depending on the market, job-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, and experience.

Xaira Therapeutics an equal-opportunity employer. We believe that our strength is in our differences. Our goal to build a diverse and inclusive team began on day one, and it will never end.

TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: Xaira Therapeutics does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias or employees. Xaira Therapeutics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.