Senior Scientist, Functional Genomics

Menlo Ventures; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xaira Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Scientist to architect and lead in vivo CRISPR screening efforts, spanning mouse models, data science, AI/ML, and translational biology. You will translate genetic screening insights into therapeutic discovery while balancing strategic leadership with hands-on contributions.

The role emphasizes collaboration across experimental and computational teams, with a focus on scalable, high‑throughput screening and rigorous data generation.

Qualifications

• PhD with 4+ years postdoc or industry experience.
• Experience with in vivo genetic manipulation (lentiviral or AAV in mice).
• Familiarity with perturb-seq and single-cell genomics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in multidisciplinary settings.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize in vivo protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop and scale high-throughput CRISPR screening in mouse models.
• Innovate experimental workflows and screening methods.
• Collaborate with computational biology, AI/ML, and drug discovery teams to analyze data.
• Identify and resolve data-generation challenges with quality control.
• Independently manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality data.

Skills

In vivo genetics

Mouse handling

Perturb-seq

Single-cell genomics

Python/R

Scientific communication

Project leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, or a related field

Tools

Lentiviral delivery

AAV delivery in mice

Single-cell sequencing

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

We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Senior Scientist to architect and lead our efforts in in vivo CRISPR screening. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in advancing our mission to pioneer biological discoveries through high-throughput functional genomics. You will lead strategic initiatives that push the technical boundaries of genetic screening at the intersection of mouse models, data science, AI/ML, and translational biology. This position is ideal for a seasoned discovery scientist who excels at translating data-driven insights into therapeutic research while balancing strategic leadership with advanced individual technical contributions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and scale high-throughput CRISPR-based screening protocols in mouse models to uncover genotype-phenotype relationships at scale.
• Drive continuous innovation in experimental workflows and screening methodologies.
• Partner with computational biology, AI/ML, and drug discovery teams to analyze, interpret, visualize, and communicate findings from large-scale functional genomics datasets.
• Identify and resolve challenges in data generation, including assay reproducibility, sample throughput, and quality control.
• Independently manage multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality data and adherence to team goals.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, protocols, and findings, contributing to internal and external scientific presentations.
• Mentor junior staff and research associates, fostering their scientific and professional growth through active technical guidance and career development.
• Lead strategic project planning and long-term program development initiatives to ensure alignment with broader therapeutic discovery goals.
• Independently drive and oversee complex cross-functional collaborations with internal and external partners to accelerate program milestones.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, or a related field, with 4+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Strong experience with in vivo genetic manipulation (e.g., lentiviral or AAV delivery in mice), mouse handling, colony management, and in vivo experimentation, with an understanding of animal welfare and regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with perturb-seq and single-cell genomics.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, adapt to new protocols, and optimize methodologies for in vivo applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of presenting complex scientific results to multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with spatial omics and interest in exploring new readout methods.
• Experience in data analysis using Python or R.
• Experience in in vivo CRISPR screening.

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.