Principal Scientist

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 part of the Protein Biochemistry team, you will be a crucial member of our interdisciplinary team, comprising highly creative and talented individuals with exceptional expertise in antibody discovery and optimization for drug discovery. You will contribute scientifically with the AI design team and biologist to drive programs forward.   

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Program Advancement: Play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of programs toward clinical development by fostering close collaboration with the AI Design and Disease Biology teams. This involves aligning scientific strategies with program objectives to ensure a seamless transition from discovery to development.
• Binder Discovery and Optimization: Spearhead efforts in identifying critical epitopes of interest, establishing robust binder screening workflows, and meticulously optimizing molecules for drug discovery. This encompasses the design and execution of high-throughput screening assays, characterization of binding affinities, and rational engineering to improve drug-like properties.
• Molecule Design and Characterization: Leverage identified binders to design advanced molecules with optimized functional properties. This includes fine-tuning Fc functionality for desired effector functions, engineering bispecific arms for enhanced targeting and efficacy, and overseeing the purification, comprehensive biophysical characterization, and functional testing of these molecules. The ultimate goal is to define ideal properties that qualify these molecules as strong developmental candidates.
• Disease Mechanism Elucidation: Actively participate in a collaborative team environment to design and execute rigorous studies aimed at unraveling the underlying mechanisms of disease (MOA). This will involve a blend of innovative in vitro experiments, utilizing advanced cell-based assays and biochemical techniques, and insightful in vivo studies, employing relevant animal models to validate hypotheses and identify therapeutic targets.
• Technical Reporting and Dissemination: Contribute significantly to the preparation of high-quality technical reports and presentations. This includes summarizing experimental findings, interpreting complex data, and effectively communicating scientific insights to both internal stakeholders and external collaborators, ensuring clear and concise documentation of research progress.
• Scientific and Technological Stewardship: Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the latest advancements and emerging trends in the fields of antibody engineering, protein design, and related disease areas. This commitment to continuous learning ensures the application of cutting-edge methodologies and insights to accelerate drug discovery efforts and maintain a competitive edge.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Ph.D. or M.S. with extensive, relevant experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Clinical Development Expertise: Demonstrated and proven track record in successfully advancing biologics through various stages of development, spanning a diverse range of disease indications. This includes a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and the challenges inherent in bringing novel therapeutics to market.
• Antibody Optimization: Hands-on, practical experience in the multiparameter optimization of antibodies, specifically focusing on enhancing both affinity and developability characteristics. This involves a nuanced understanding of how to balance these critical attributes for optimal therapeutic performance.
• Protein Purification Mastery: Advanced expertise in a comprehensive array of protein purification techniques, including but not limited to affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Proficiency extends to the operation and troubleshooting of modern chromatography hardware and software, such as Cytiva AKTA systems and Agilent HPLC platforms.
• Assay Automation and Familiarity: Familiarity with and demonstrated ability to automate a variety of antibody binding assays, including ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance), and FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting). This includes knowledge of robotic platforms and high-throughput screening methodologies.
• Molecular and Cell Biology Foundations: Profound proficiency in core molecular and cell biology techniques, encompassing mammalian tissue cell culture (aseptic technique, cell line maintenance, transfection) and fundamental molecular biology laboratory skills (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis).
• Analytical Acumen and Attention to Detail: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, coupled with a meticulous attention to detail in experimental design, execution, and data analysis. This includes the capacity to identify and address complex scientific challenges with rigor and precision.
• Communication Excellence: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the distinct capacity to clearly and concisely articulate complex scientific concepts, data, and findings to diverse audiences, ranging from fellow scientists to non-scientific stakeholders.
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented: A highly collaborative spirit with the proven ability to thrive in dynamic, multidisciplinary team environments. This includes actively promoting cooperation, fostering knowledge exchange, and contributing positively to a shared scientific mission.

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 $124,000 -$175,000 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.

Xaira Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Human Resources to request accommodation.

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.