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Senior Scientist, Biology & Pharmacology

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 Therapeutics is seeking a lab-based Senior Scientist in Inflammation and Immunology to join our Biology & Pharmacology department. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on research environment, has experience working with primary human or mouse immune cells and ex vivo tissue systems, and is excited to help shape therapeutic program strategy.

In this role, you will investigate disease biology and drug mechanisms, generate actionable data, and contribute to advancing therapeutic programs through cross-functional collaboration.

What You’ll Do

  • Drive preclinical programs by designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies that explore disease biology, target validation, and lead candidate development.
  • Identify knowledge gaps, ask critical mechanistic questions to guide program direction, and evaluate novel targets and therapeutic strategies.
  • Dissociate human tissue biopsies into single-cell suspensions or establish human tissue slice cultures for downstream functional or phenotyping assays.
  • Lead immune profiling and functional characterization using high-parameter flow cytometry (15+ colors or spectral platforms), functional assays (T cell activation, differentiation, proliferation, suppression), and molecular/cytokine profiling (MSD, Luminex, qPCR, RNA sequencing).
  • Translate experimental data into actionable insights and clearly communicate findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.

What We’re Looking For

  • PhD in Immunology or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; industry experience preferred.
  • Track record of impact through publications, presentations, or applied research.
  • Hands-on experience with primary human or mouse immune cells and/or ex vivo tissue systems.
  • Strong expertise in flow cytometry, including high-parameter panel design, execution, and data analysis.
  • Proven ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments.
  • Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Clear communicator who can distill complex data into actionable insights.

 

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 $140,000 - $170,000 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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