Scientist/Senior Scientist, Immunogenicity

About the Role

The biology group at Xaira seeks an accomplished immunologist with CD4+ T cell expertise, preferably with direct experience investigating immunogenicity of biologics and/or vaccines. This role will involve investigations into the fundamental biology governing immunogenicity, development of novel assays and supporting immunogenicity risk assessment and mitigation for pipeline programs. They will immediately be responsible for leading the development and execution of assays directly in the lab while actively participating in a variety of interdisciplinary collaborations with machine learning, bioinformatics and proteomics colleagues. This will be an exciting opportunity for a lab based scientist looking to contribute to building a new team and exploring then applying novel biological insights. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in immunology, experience with human immune cell isolation and culture, proficiency with immune assay readouts/instrumentation (flow cytometry, cytokine, ELISpot, etc.) and a proven record of managing and mentoring junior scientists. You will have experience with identifying key gaps in knowledge, project conception, strategic planning, timeline management and both leading as well as contributing to cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams. You will both manage direct report(s) and lead by influence. As a founding member of this new team, you will need to provide strategic direction and vision, while effectively communicating horizontally across disciplines and vertically from junior scientist to executive-level management. A demonstrated domain expertise for T cell and/or antigen presenting cell biology as they relate to adaptive immune responses is required. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, troubleshoot, and execute primary human immune cell assays including induction of monocyte derived dendritic cells and activation of T cells.
• Standardize and scale assays using both semi and fully automated approaches.
• Liaise with target evaluation and pipeline program teams to provide immunogenicity risk assessment and mitigation support.
• Data analysis, QC, and management to enable decision making and machine learning approaches.
• Management of one to several direct reports, training, and mentorship of future team members.
• Develop forward looking strategies to identify and implement novel assays, measurements, and technologies that increase throughput, quality, and reproducibility of results.
• Establish, characterize and maintain a human PBMC bank.
• Present program updates and research strategies to functional and non-functional leaders as well as potential and existing partners.
• Advance scientific expertise within immunogenicity space by staying up-to-date with literature, attending conferences and participating in industry working groups.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years experience (industry experience preferred) in Immunology or related field with demonstrated impact within discipline (e.g. strong publication record, conference presentations, etc.).
• Extensive knowledge and experience of both innate and adaptive systems, experience evaluating immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins and/or vaccines strongly preferred.
• Proven management and mentorship abilities, including supervising, coaching and developing junior scientists.
• Direct experience working with primary human immune cells (isolation, cell subset induction, antigen specific activation, etc.) and assessment of routine immune assay readouts (e.g., flow cytometry, bead/ELISA-based cytokine readouts, ELISpot, immunofluorescence, etc.).
• Demonstrated capabilities in scaling and automating assays strongly preferred.
• Self-directed and capable of leading multiple complex research projects independently while collaborating with interdisciplinary stakeholders.
• Ability to promote an inclusive environment where diverse ideas, viewpoints and backgrounds are valued; willingness and ability to lead inclusively and demonstrate a commitment to listen and consider all points of view.

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 $120,000 - $150,000 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.