Senior Research Associate

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

We are seeking a highly skilled senior research associate scientist to join a team that focuses on the development of oncology therapeutics. The successful candidate will contribute to the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies as a 100% bench scientist.

About You

You have a strong foundation in tumor biology and immunology, with hands-on experience in working with tumor cell lines, primary immune cells, and patient-derived tissues. You demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to effectively execute research plans. Additionally, you will be eager to learn, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and actively contribute to our culture of teamwork and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments, performing a range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology assays to support drug candidate discovery and preclinical evaluation.
• Collaborate with senior team members to develop and refine experimental strategies and workflows.
• Troubleshoot and optimize assays by integrating new techniques and protocols from scientific literature.
• Develop and draft standard operating procedures, ensuring meticulous data storage and organization for research reports, manuscripts, INDs, and patent filings.
• Actively participate in team discussions, providing critical data in a timely manner to support informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of industry experience with a BS degree, or minimum 5 years with an MS degree, in Oncology or Immuno-oncology, focusing on target validation, drug discovery and development.
• High proficiency in evaluating cell signaling and proliferation using techniques such as ELISA, MSD, immunofluorescence, and reporter-based assays.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry and single-cell sorting.
• Proficiency in standard in vitro immuno-oncology assays (e.g., immune cell activation, cytotoxicity assays).
• Strong attention to detail with excellent record-keeping skills.
• Experience using mouse models and handling ex vivo mouse samples.
• Familiarity with complex cell models, such as 3D organoid or co-culture systems.
• Experience with automation of cellular assays.

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 $85,000 - $135,000 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.