Associate Scientist 1

Xencor; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Healthcare coverage

Bonus potential

Equity grant

ESPP

Job summary

Xencor is seeking an Associate Scientist I to support antibody discovery, engineering, and characterization at our Pasadena, CA site. The role focuses on cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and developability testing to inform lead selection, with opportunities to leverage automation and AI tools to enhance data processing and reporting.

The candidate will work both independently and with teams, maintaining rigorous data records and contributing to workflow optimization in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Cell Biology, Immunology or related field with 6+ years industry lab experience, or Master’s with 4+ years.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, cell line generation, and cell-based antibody screening assays.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry and data analysis software.
• Experience with high-throughput assay workflows and liquid handling systems.
• Experience applying scripting, data automation, or AI-assisted tools to improve data processing and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Execute cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and developability assays to support antibody discovery and characterization.
• Optimize and troubleshoot high-throughput workflows and liquid handling systems.
• Analyze and communicate experimental results to project teams clearly.
• Develop and streamline data analysis and reporting workflows with automation tools.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity and documentation practices.
• Support lab operations including instrument maintenance and inventory management.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Flow cytometry

High-throughput screening

Data analysis

Automation scripting

Biophysical assays

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Master's degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

FlowJo

OMIQ

Benchling

GraphPad Prism

SpotFire

Job description

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 exciting opportunity for an Associate Scientist I–Biophysical Characterization & High-Throughput Screening, to join our team.

This position is based fully onsite at our Pasadena, CA. site.

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist I to support antibody discovery, engineering, and characterization efforts across Xencor’s preclinical pipeline. This role will help advance antibody screening and developability assessments through hands‑on execution of cell‑based, flow cytometry, and biophysical assays that inform lead selection and project decisions. The ideal candidate will bring strong experimental and troubleshooting skills, with an interest in or experience leveraging automation, data analysis tools, and AI‑assisted technologies to enhance assay workflows, data processing, and reporting capabilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support antibody discovery, engineering, and characterization activities by executing cell‑based assays, multi-color flow cytometry, and plate‑based developability assays.
• Execute, optimize, and troubleshoot high‑throughput experimental workflows, including liquid handling systems.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate experimental results to project teams in a clear and timely manner.
• Contribute to the development and streamlining of data analysis and reporting workflows through scripting, workflow automation, and laboratory informatics tools.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure proper data integrity, traceability, and documentation practices.
• Support laboratory operations through routine instrument maintenance, inventory management, reagent preparation, and sample tracking.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Cell Biology, Immunology, or related scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant industry laboratory experience, or Master’s degree with 4+ years of relevant industry laboratory experience. The Company reserves the right to consider internal experience in lieu of requirements listed above.
• Strong hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, transient/stable cell line generation, and cell‑based antibody screening assays, including binding and competition assays, reporter assays, and related screening technologies.

• Demonstrated experience with multi‑color flow cytometry and flow cytometry data analysis software (e.g., FlowJo, OMIQ, or equivalent).
• Experience with high‑throughput assay workflows and liquid handling systems.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and visualization platforms such as Benchling, GraphPad Prism, SpotFire, or similar tools.
• Experience applying scripting, data automation, or AI‑assisted tools to improve experimental data processing, visualization, and reporting is strongly preferred.
• Experience with plate‑based biochemical and developability assays such as polyreactivity ELISA, thermal stability assays, self‑association assays, or related methods is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot assays, optimize experimental workflows, and generate reproducible high‑quality data.
• Strong organizational, record‑keeping, and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

Additional Requirements for Laboratory and Research Related Jobs

• 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:$95,500 - $121,250

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/.

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 [e-mail].

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.