Scientist, in vivo Functional Genomics

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.

About the Role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Functional Genomics Scientist to lead efforts in in vivo CRISPR screening using mouse models. This role will be instrumental in advancing our mission to make new biological discoveries through high-throughput functional genomics efforts. You will lead projects that push the boundaries of functional genomics technology, working at the intersection of animal models, genetic screening, data science, AI/ML and translational biology. This is an ideal position for a scientist passionate about discovery, eager to develop data-driven insights into therapeutic research.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and scale high-throughput CRISPR-based screening protocols in mouse models to uncover genotype-phenotype relationships at scale.
• Drive continuous innovation in experimental workflows and screening methodologies.
• Partner with computational biology, AI/ML, and drug discovery teams to analyze, interpret, visualize, and communicate findings from large-scale functional genomics datasets.
• Identify and resolve challenges in data generation, including assay reproducibility, sample throughput, and quality control.
• Independently manage multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality data and adherence to team goals.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, protocols, and findings, contributing to internal and external scientific presentations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, or a related field, with 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Strong experience with in vivo genetic manipulation (e.g., lentiviral or AAV delivery in mice), mouse handling, colony management, and in vivo experimentation, with an understanding of animal welfare and regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with perturb-seq and single-cell genomics.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, adapt to new protocols, and optimize methodologies for in vivo applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of presenting complex scientific results to multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with spatial omics and interest in exploring new readout methods.
• Experience in data analysis using Python or R.
• Experience in in vivo CRISPR screening.

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 $120,000 - $150,000 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.