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Principal Scientist

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 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.   

Responsibilities

  • Closely collaborate with the AI Design and Disease Biology teams to initiate and progress programs for clinical development.
  • Identify epitopes of interest, establish binder screening workflow, and optimize molecules for drug discovery.   
  • With identified binders design molecule (i.e. Fc functionally,  bispecific arms tuning), purify, characterize, and test for functionality to define ideal properties for developmental candidates.  
  • Participate in a team setting to design and execute studies to understand underlying disease MOA with in vitro and in vivo experiments. 
  • Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in antibody engineering, protein design  and related disease fields.

Qualifications

  • A strong foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology and/or a related field. Ph.D. or M.S. with 5-8 years of relevant experience is preferred.
  • Experienced in advancing biologics toward clinical development in various disease indications. 
  • Hands-on experience with multiparameter optimization of antibody for affinity and developability attributes
  • Experience in protein purification techniques (including affinity, ion exchange, HIC, SEC) and in chromatography hardware and software (Cytiva AKTA, Agilent HPLC).
  • Familiarity with antibody binding assays and automating them (ELISA, SPR, FACS).
  • Proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques, including mammalian tissue cell culture, and basic skills in molecular biology labs.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment, fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing among team members.

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 - 175K 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.  

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