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.   

Responsibilities

• Closely collaborate with the AI Design and Biology team to identify epitopes of interest, establish binder screening workflow, and optimize molecules for drug discovery.   
• With identified binders: design, express, and test drug-like molecules for functionality to define ideal properties for developmental candidates.  
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in antibody engineering, protein design  and related fields.

Qualifications

• A strong foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology and/or a related field. Ph.D. or M.S. with relevant experience is preferred. 
• Hands-on experience with antibody engineering techniques such as yeast display, phage display, or other directed evolution methods. Experience in library design, build and validation. 
• 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 $164,00-205,000 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.