CON-Research Associate 1

Xencor; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Xencor in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Contract Research Associate 1 for the molecular biology group to support daily lab operations and drive the discovery of therapeutic antibody candidates. This onsite role emphasizes hands-on cloning, sequencing, and data documentation within a fast-paced team.

You will perform molecular biology workflows, utilize automated platforms, and help generate data to advance oncology and immune-related programs.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with 4+ years lab experience; Bachelor's preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or related field with 1+ year lab work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology workflows including cloning, mutagenesis, subcloning, and PCR/qPCR optimization.
• Perform sequencing confirmation using Sanger and NGS; analyze data with Sequencher and Geneious.
• Operate automation platforms like QIAcube, KingFisher and VIAFLO to support workflows.
• Document protocols, designs and results in lab notebooks; present data in meetings.

Skills

Molecular biology

Teamwork

Attention to detail

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Sequencher

Geneious

QIAcube

KingFisher

VIAFLO

Job description

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 contract Research Associate 1 for the molecular biology group to join our team.

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

Summary:

Responsible for contributing to daily laboratory operations in support of the identification of and development therapeutic antibody candidates using specialized methods specific to the assigned group, function or department.

Job Duties Include:

• Perform molecular biology workflows, including molecular cloning (subcloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and Gibson Assembly), primer design, bacterial transformation, plasmid DNA preparation, linear expression cassette generation, and PCR/qPCR optimization and troubleshooting.


• Perform plasmid and construct sequence confirmation using Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS), including basic sequence review and analysis with tools such as Sequencher and Geneious.


• Utilize laboratory automation and liquid-handling platforms, such as QIAcube, KingFisher, and VIAFLO, to support routine molecular biology workflows.


• Support efforts to implement, execute and document studies focused on identifying therapeutic antibody and protein candidates in the areas of oncology, inflammation and autoimmune disease


• Contributes to research team efforts by designing and running experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting data


• Documents experimental protocols, designs, and results in a laboratory notebook


• Conducts, and troubleshoots various experiments in support of research


• Execute standard operating procedures


• Maintains laboratory inventory, equipment and related supplies


• Utilizes computer programs to collect, analyze and record data


• Analyzes and reports data in adherence of established timelines


• Communicates data to team members as applicable


• May contribute to developing SOPs and presentations


• May present data in departmental meetings


• Follows all laboratory safety guidelines, practices and protocols


• Coordinates and collaborates on research-related tasks across multiple groups


• Adheres to all department and company-wide policies regarding conduct, performance and procedures


• Performs other duties as required.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Position minimally requires a High School diploma or GED with at least 4 years related laboratory work in an academic or industry setting. A Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field with at least 1 year of related laboratory work experience is preferred. Industry experience preferred.

Position also requires:

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities


• Strong interpersonal skills


• Ability to work well in a team and independently


• Strong oral and written communication skills


• Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented multi-project environment


• Ability to understand and follow instructions from supervisors or other team members


• Detail oriented, good documentation practice and strong organizational skills; can follow protocols and maintain detailed records and inventory


• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and ability to use job relevant software programs


• Familiarity with AI tools and the ability to use them in a compliant and responsible manner, including validating outputs, mitigating risks, actively reinforcing responsible use across teams, and ensuring strict adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements


• Ability to demonstrate competencies applicable for job based on Xencor’s Leadership Competency Model.

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 Hourly Rate Range: $33.50 - $40.00

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.