Sr. Research Associate, Discovery Biology

Sr. Research Associate

Introduction:

Xencor is a public, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in the Los Angeles area (Pasadena) and in San Diego. Our focus is developing high-potential XmAb® bispecific T-cell engagers and additional engineered drug candidates that leverage our differentiated technology platforms, and we are advancing our pipeline toward clinical proof-of-concept decisions. Our goal is to create high-impact therapeutics for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. More than 20 XmAb drug candidates engineered with our technology are in clinical development, and three XmAb medicines have been marketed by partners. For more information, please visit www.xencor.com. We have an excellent opportunity for a Senior Research Associate, Discovery Biology to join our team.

This position will be fully onsite at our Pasadena location.

Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Associate to join our Discovery Biology team within the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology department. Our Research Associates in Discovery Biology are significant contributors in novel research and innovation and support the development of our antibody and cytokine therapies. This team performs functional in vitro studies to characterize the pharmacologic properties, biological activity, and mechanism of action of our antibody and cytokine therapies. The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on experience with cell cultures and primary human immune cells in immunoassays and bioassays and technical expertise in multicolor flow cytometry and associated instrumentation and analysis software. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, able to work in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, and is passionate about developing immunomodulatory therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. She/he will contribute towards the identification of therapeutic candidates using cellular and immunological methods, including flow cytometry, MSD, and in vitro imaging platforms in high throughput formats. This open position is an exciting opportunity to impact the next wave of drug development candidates to enter our pipeline. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of technical proficiency and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Job Functions:

• Maintain, expand, and engineer mammalian cell lines and manage primary cell cultures including human immune cells and PBMC.
• Develop and conduct immunological and cellular bioassays to characterize the functional and biological properties and mechanisms of action of antibody and cytokine therapies.
• Support translational studies and preclinical models to evaluate efficacy and safety of antibody and cytokine therapies; no direct animal contact is required.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform best cell culture practices to initiate, maintain, and expand mammalian cell lines and primary human cell cultures, including human immune cells and PBMC, and human and mammalian tissue specimens.
• Contribute to the design and execution of experiments, analysis, interpretation of data, and reporting and archiving of results.
• Perform immunological and cellular bioassays including cell binding, proliferation, apoptosis, activation, and cytotoxicity assays using methods including flow cytometry, luminescence, live cell imaging and time-lapse microscopy, and cytokine analysis such as with a Mesoscale Diagnostics platform.
• Attend to daily laboratory operations including the maintenance of equipment, inventories, consumables, reagents, and other supplies.
• Document experimental protocols, assay designs, and results in a laboratory notebook; maintain compliant records, write SOPs, and may contribute to technical reports. 
• Contribute to data presentation in departmental or company-wide meetings.
• Follow all laboratory safety guidelines, practices, and protocols.
• Coordinate and collaborate on operational and research-related tasks across multiple groups and departments.
• Adhere to all department and company-wide policies regarding conduct, performance, and procedures.

Qualifications:

• BS in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology, or a related life sciences field with at least 4 years of laboratory work experience is required. An MS degree in biological sciences with at least 2 years of laboratory work is preferred. Work experience in an industry setting is desirable. The company reserves the right to consider internal experience in lieu of the education or experience requirements listed above.
• Advanced proficiency in cell culture with at least 3 years hands-on experience to maintain, expand, and engineer cell lines and at least one-year hands-on experience managing primary immune cell cultures is required.
• Experience with human PBMC and human biological tissues or specimens is required.  
• Technical expertise in multicolor flow cytometry and associated instrumentation and software (BD FACSDiva, FlowJo, FCS Express) with 2 years of experience to operate independently is required.
• Experience with high throughput liquid handling (e.g., Integra Viaflo, Beckman Coulter Echo) and high throughput cell-based assays (e.g., flow cytometry in 384 well plates) is desirable.
• Experience with live-cell imaging and impedance-based bioassay platforms (Incucyte, xCelligence) and proficiency executing complex, multiple cell type co-culture techniques are preferred.
• Ability to perform method development, write protocols, maintain detailed records, and use an electronic notebook are required. Experience with the Benchling as an ELN and database is desirable.
• Proficiency in common software and data analysis packages such as Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook), GraphPad Prism, and BD FACS Diva is required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, multi-project environment with adaptability to changing priorities and capacity to excel working on a team and individually is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and professional competencies in oral and written communication are required.

Physical, Mental and Environment Demands:

The physical, mental, and working environment demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this position.

The working environment for this role includes working in a research laboratory which may involve running experiments and operating laboratory scale process equipment for sample and data generation.  Occasionally, repetitive tasks, prolonged standing, and the use of PPE for handling hazardous and biohazardous materials may be required.  See additional requirements for laboratory and research related jobs listed below.

The physical demands when working in the office environment are normally associated with extended amounts of time sitting and using office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, and mouse, which can cause muscle strain. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. Periodic light lifting of supplies and materials may apply.

Specific mental demands for the position are listed above under requirements.  In addition, mental demands for this position include:

• Ability to multitask without loss of efficiency or accuracy, including the ability to perform multiple duties from multiple sources.
• Ability to work and sustain attention with distractions and/or interruptions.
• Ability to interact appropriately with a variety of individuals including vendors, customers, and clients.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and be punctual.
• Ability to understand, remember and follow verbal and written instructions.

Additional Requirements for Laboratory and Research Related Jobs

This role may involve work with experimental subjects and/or specimens including infected samples, plus various Hazardous Materials and infectious agents (Bloodborne Pathogens, or other potentially infections materials (OPIMs). Therefore, the following are also required:

• Ability to follow the established Environmental Health & Safety rules, procedures, and/or BioSafety Guidelines.
• Ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Ability to be available and willing to work some weekends and evenings to conduct and complete experiments.
• Knowledge of biosafety techniques and aseptic/gowning practices.
• Experience with laboratory safety standards and procedures, including biohazard handling and disposal techniques, and the ability to ensure laboratory compliance with required safety regulations.
• Experience working with biological and chemical hazards, infectious agents, bloodborne pathogens and animal allergens.
• Experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Experience working with chemical, and biological hazards.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment, freezers, and incubators.

Expected Base Salary Range:  $83,500.00 - $93,500.00

The actual salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including skills, competencies, education, and experience. Xencor offers a competitive total rewards package including 401k match, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits.  In addition, this position will be eligible for an annual bonus and equity grant. For more information, please see https://xencor.com/careers/.

Xencor requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  Being fully vaccinated means that at least two weeks have passed since an individual’s final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen.  New employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status as of their start date unless an exemption or accommodation is approved.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

The Company will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact HR@xencor.com.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Xencor does not accept profiles or resumes from recruiting vendors without a binding written agreement. Any unsolicited submission of services and or resumes in no way creates an obligation or duty by Xencor, implied or otherwise.