Senior Scientist, Antibody Characterization

Xaira Therapeutics, Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xaira Therapeutics, Inc. in South San Francisco is seeking a hands-on Biophysics/Antibody Characterization scientist to join the Protein Analytics team.

The role emphasizes high-throughput antibody screening, biophysical assessments, and data-driven decision making in a dynamic biotech startup environment. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with ELISA, BLI and SPR platforms (Carterra, Biacore), and can contribute to developability assessments, data curation, and cross-functional

Qualifications

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline with 5+ years of industry experience or a BS/MS degree with 10+ years of industry experience in biophysics, biochemistry, structural biology, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in antibody screening including monoclonals, bispecific, and other antibody-like molecules.
• Extensive hands-on experience with ELISA, BLI and SPR based platforms (Carterra, Biacore).
• Basic knowledge of protein production, purification and characterization techniques (including affinity, ion exchange, HIC, DLS, DSF and SEC).
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and other statistical tools.
• Proactive attitude with a self-starter mindset.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong collaborative skills and interest in working in cross-functional teams and a startup environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work independently with accountability and meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support the discovery and development of therapeutic molecules through hands-on laboratory work.
• Characterize antibodies in high-throughput manner via biolayer interferometry (BLI) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensor platforms to determine Yes/No binding, Kinetics and Affinity information.
• Screen antibodies and other antibody-like molecules for off-target binding assessment via BVP ELISA or other poly-specificity/poly-reactivity assays.
• Perform early developability assessment on antibody panels using SPR, DLS, DSF, SEC and ELISA platforms.
• Support other workflows as needed, including fluorescence based binding assays and assay automation.
• Analyze experimental data, curate results and reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain experimental records in an ELN.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and contribute to lab organization and operations.

Skills

Biophysics

Biochemistry

Structural biology

ELISA

BLI

SPR

GraphPad Prism

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Startup environment

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

BS/MS with 10+ years of industry experience

Tools

Carterra

Biacore

ELISA platforms

Job description

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 Analytics team, you will play a crucial role in discovering and developing novel biotherapeutics. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience characterization of monoclonal and bi/multispecific antibodies within a biotherapeutics discovery setting, coupled with a proactive and can-do attitude. This is a hands-on, lab-based position.

Responsibilities:

• Support the discovery and development of therapeutic molecules through hands-on laboratory work.
• Characterize antibodies in high-throughput manner via biolayer interferometry (BLI) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensor platforms to determine Yes/No binding, Kinetics and Affinity information.
• Screen antibodies and other antibody-like molecules for off-target binding assessment via BVP ELISA or other poly-specificity/poly-reactivity assays.
• Perform early developability assessment on antibody panels using SPR, DLS, DSF, SEC and ELISA platforms.
• Support other workflows as needed, including fluorescence based binding assays and assay automation.
• Analyze experimental data, curate results and reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain experimental records in an ELN.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and contribute to lab organization and operations.

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline with 5+ years of industry experience or a BS/MS degree with 10+ years of industry experience in biophysics, biochemistry, structural biology, or a related discipline
  • Candidates with fewer years of experience are also encouraged to apply, and the leveling of the role can be adjusted if needed
• Extensive experience in antibody screening including monoclonals, bispecific, and other antibody-like molecules.
• Extensive hands-on experience with ELISA, BLI and SPR based platforms (Carterra, Biacore).
• Basic knowledge of protein production, purification and characterization techniques (including affinity, ion exchange, HIC, DLS, DSF and SEC).
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and other statistical tools.
• Proactive attitude with a self-starter mindset.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong collaborative skills and interest in working in cross-functional teams and a startup environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work independently with accountability and meticulous attention to detail.

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. We offer a competitive package that includes base salary, bonus, and equity. The base pay range for this position is expected to be $136,000 - $170,000 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.