Senior Scientist, Cell Pharmacology

Xilio Therapeutics, Inc.; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. is hiring a Senior Scientist, Cell Pharmacology to develop and run cell‑based in vitro and ex vivo assays that support our IO pipeline. You will drive assay development, generate decision‑driving data, and help advance cancer therapies within the tumor microenvironment.

The role emphasizes automation using liquid handling robotics, flow cytometry, ELISA and MSD, with mentorship of junior scientists and cross‑functional collaboration across R&D teams.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Biology or related field with 7+ years post‑graduate experience (BS), 5+ with MS, or 3+ with PhD.
• Demonstrated strong IO / Immunology background.
• Experience with automation / liquid handlers for mid to high throughput assays.

Responsibilities

• Generate data to support ongoing drug discovery efforts and integrate into project plans.
• Develop and implement cell‑based assays to support discovery programs and test molecule activation.
• Develop and run binding assays via flow cytometry, ELISA and MSD.
• Culture primary human tumor and immune cells for ex vivo experiments.
• Mentor junior scientists and present data at group meetings.

Skills

Immunology

Cell biology

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Biology or related

Tools

Flow Cytometry

ELISA

MSD

Automation systems

Job description

Xilio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing tumor-activated
immuno-oncology (I‑O) therapies with the goal of significantly improving outcomes for people living
with cancer without the systemic side effects of current I‑O treatments. The company is using its
proprietary platform to advance a pipeline of novel, tumor-activated clinical and preclinical I‑O
molecules that are designed to optimize the therapeutic index by localizing anti‑tumor activity within
the tumor microenvironment. Learn more by visiting www.xiliotx.com and follow us on LinkedIn (Xilio
Therapeutics, Inc.).

SUMMARY:

The Senior Scientist, Cell Pharmacology is responsible for the development and execution of cell-based
in vitro and ex vivo assays to support our immune‑oncology pipeline. This key role offers the opportunity
to directly contribute to Xilio’s cutting edge science by developing innovative assay systems and
generating decision‑driving data that drive our programs forward. This role provides an exciting
opportunity to directly influence ongoing programs and contribute to the discovery of new drugs to
treat cancer patients. The pay range for this role is $126,000–$147,500.

Responsibilities:

• Work as an integrated member of the research team to generate data to support ongoing drug discovery efforts.
• Serve as an expert in the development of functional cell‑based assays to support discovery programs and test Xilio molecule activation.
• Develop and implement automation using liquid handling robotics to enhance throughput for cell‑based and cell‑free in vitro assays.
• Implement and execute cell‑based experiments such as phenotypic assays and reporter gene assays (RGA), which assess drug candidate activity and mechanism of action.
• Develop and run binding assays via flow cytometry, ELISA and MSD.
• Culture primary human tumor and immune cells for ex vivo experiments.
• Carry out enzymatic cleavage experiments with recombinant proteases.
• Perform gel electrophoresis and western blot assays to assess recombinant proteins.
• Research relevant literature to devise cellular functional experiments. Implement, develop, and perform in vitro assays to characterize novel therapeutic proteins
• Integrate technologies that improve or expand the ability to assay molecules by working with teammates, collaborators, vendors, and staying abreast of the literature.
• Enter all data into laboratory notebooks and databases daily
• Participation and presentation of data at group meetings.
• Mentor junior scientists.
• Represent cell pharmacology function at project team meetings.
• Provide assay development expertise to support CMC, non‑clinical DMPK, and Tox studies.

Skills, Qualifications, and Requirements:

• BS/MS/PhD in the field of Biology, or other related fields 7+ years post‑graduate experience with BS,
  5+ years post‑graduate experience with MS or 3+ years experience with a PhD
• Demonstrated strong background in IO / Immunology / T‑Cell Engagers or a related field.
• Experience with automation / liquid handlers for mid to high throughput assays strongly preferred.
• Previous experience with Flow Cytometry, ELISA, and MSD‑based readouts.
• Skilled in cell/tissue culture techniques and cell‑based assays
• Experience with culture of primary human tumor and immune cells, and Western blots
• Technical experience in the development, qualification, and execution of assays for protease characterization in human tissues
• Goal oriented, organized, capable of working on multiple projects, and able to execute to timelines that align with company goals
• Willing to learn new techniques and skills
• Work well in a cross functional team environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Primary tumor processing experience is preferred
• Experience with measuring enzymatic activity is preferred

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and developing our existing and additional employees. We are committed to equal opportunity and inclusion across all aspects of our organization, including in our recruitment, advancement and development practices. We conduct annual performance and development reviews for each of our employees to discuss the individual’s strengths and development opportunities, career development goals and performance goals. We also regularly survey employees to assess employee engagement and satisfaction. In addition, each regular full‑time employee is provided an allowance and time to attend appropriate job‑related trainings and other professional development courses, seminars, meetings, and similar sessions. If you are an individual with a disability who requires an accommodation with the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail]