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Scientist, Structure Biology

Brisbane, California, United States

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. Xaira is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and London.

About the Role 

As a Scientist in the Protein Sciences and Structural Biology department, you will contribute to our research efforts in protein production and characterization to drive our innovative drug discovery programs. You will work closely with our protein scientists in the department and beyond to be an essential part of our interdisciplinary team. You are expected to collaborate with protein designers, pharmacologists, biologists, and other members of the drug discovery team. Your knowledge, expertise, and communication skills are critical to drive the projects and deliver the outcome in a timely manner.

About You

You are a skilled and passionate protein scientist with expertise in protein expression, purification, and structure analysis. While self-driven and independent mindset is welcome, your enthusiasm for constant learning is critical as a prominent protein scientist. You have a genuine interest in supporting the programs and assisting in fast-paced research activities. You possess excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, enabling you to thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design, expression, purification, and characterization of complex membrane proteins.
  • Support the structural analysis of complex membrane proteins using cryo-EM.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate research findings and contribute to the characterization of lead molecules.
  • Maintain meticulous records of experiments, protocols, and results and adherence to deadlines.
  • Assist in the interpretation and presentation of scientific findings at research meetings and contribute ideas for follow-up experiments.
  • Promote effective communication and collaboration among diverse research teams to achieve scientific goals.
  • Contribute to scientific publications, patents, and presentations, aiding in the dissemination of research findings both internally and externally. 

Qualifications

  • PhD in Structural Biology, Protein Biochemistry, or related fields, with at least 5 years of relevant laboratory experience.
  • Hands-on experience and expertise in recombinant protein construct design, expression and purification of proteins using eukaryotic systems.
  • Familiarity with biochemical and biophysical techniques handling multi-TM membrane proteins.
  • Proficiency in assisting with the structural analysis of protein-protein interactions to support drug discovery campaigns.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for details.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to assist in presenting scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Proactively work in a multidisciplinary team environment, supporting knowledge-sharing and cooperation among team members.
  • Experience and knowledge about biophysical protein characterization such as MS, SPR, BLI.
  • Experience and knowledge in molecular pharmacology on membrane proteins.
  • Familiarity with flow cytometry, fluorescent microscope.
  • Experience with cell engineering is also a plus.

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. XairaTherapeutics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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