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Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate

South San Francisco, 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
Xaira is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate / Senior Research Associate to join our Genomic Core team with a focus on next-generation sequencing (NGS). The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Illumina-based sequencing technologies, including library preparation and sequencer operation. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects across therapeutic areas, supporting cutting-edge genomics research and technology development.

You will work closely with molecular biologists, computational scientists, and platform teams to generate high-quality sequencing data, implement new workflows, and ensure best practices in data generation and quality control.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare sequencing libraries for Illumina platforms using methods such as TruSeq, Nextera, and amplicon-based workflows.

  • Perform PCR and qPCR-based assays to support library preparation and quality control

  • Operate and maintain Illumina sequencers (e.g., MiSeq, NextSeq), including run setup, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting.

  • Perform QC of input material and libraries (e.g., Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, Qubit, qPCR) and assess sequencing data quality.

  • Support NGS data generation workflows and collaborate with internal teams on project needs.

  • Maintain accurate documentation in ELN systems and communicate progress in team settings.

  • Assist with troubleshooting experimental issues and improving standard workflows.

  • Run basic analysis pipelines (e.g., bcl2fastq, CellRanger) as needed.


Qualifications

  • B.S./M.S. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, or a related field with 0-2 years of laboratory experience, including direct experience in NGS workflows and library preparation

  • Proficient in Illumina sequencing library preparation methods for DNA and RNA, with a strong understanding of underlying biochemistry and assay design.

  • Experience with PCR and qPCR techniques is required.

  • Experience operating Illumina sequencers is strongly preferred.


Preferred

  • Exposure to single-cell sequencing workflows (e.g., 10x Genomics).

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to execute reproducible benchwork.

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

  • Familiarity with QC methods for nucleic acids and libraries.

  • Basic understanding of NGS data analysis and sequencing outputs.

  • Experience with LIMS or data tracking systems (e.g., Benchling, BaseSpace).

 

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. We offer a competitive package that includes base salary, bonus, and equity. The base pay range for this position is expected to be $90,000 - $115,000 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.

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