Scientist 2

Job Duties

• Perform yeast display-based discovery screens to support new and ongoing therapeutic programs.
• Use NGS, including NGS library generation, QC, sequencing and data analysis, for hit selection.
• Execute display-based lead optimization, including design and building of new display libraries, QC, and screening.
• Stay current with external advancements in relevant scientific fields and techniques.
• Evaluate scientific strategies, review data in real-time and make the necessary experimental adjustments to ensure successful delivery of yeast display discovery campaigns.
• Collaborate with scientists from different functional groups to coordinate research & development efforts and prioritize critical experiments for advancing discovery programs.
• Participate and present data in group and departmental meetings as needed.
• Follow all laboratory safety guidelines, practices and protocols.
• Contribute to the design and execution of experiments, analysis, interpretation of data, and reporting and archiving of results.

Education/Experience/Skills

• Requires a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field, with at least 3 years of post-graduate laboratory work experience; previous industry experience is preferred.
• Requires prior experience collaborating on project teams matrixed across functions including contract laboratories and corporate partners and strong research study experience.
• Requires sound theoretical and experimental experience in a relevant scientific field coupled with technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Small company and industry work experience preferred.
• Requires strong hands-on experience with yeast display, including building naïve and/or immunized libraries.
• Experience with antibody lead optimization, including affinity, potency and developability enhancement.
• Expertise in molecular cloning and utilization of DNA analysis software (Geneious Prime, Sequencher or similar software).
• Experience with NGS technology, including NGS library generation, QC, sequencing and sequence analysis.
• Experience with AI / ML sequence analysis would be helpful.
• Strong understanding of antibody structure, function, and engineering.
• Experience with high throughput screening (96 and 384-well plates) and liquid handling automation is desirable.
• On-site presence with time split between lab (80%) and non-lab activities (20%).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with scientific colleagues and management by contributing sound scientific concepts, ideas and direction.
• Significant analytical, assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform method development, write protocols, maintain detailed records, and use an electronic notebook are required.
• Experience with Benchling as an ELN and database is desirable.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret and communicate complex data and information.
• Proficiency in software and data analysis packages like Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Spotfire, FloJo and GraphPad Prism.
• Ability to effectively collaborate, coach and mentor others through scientific and technical communication.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, multi-project environment with adaptability to changing priorities and capacity to excel working on a team and individually is required.
• Ability to demonstrate competencies applicable for job based on Xencor’s Leadership Competency Model.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and professional competencies in oral and written communication are required.
• May contribute to authoring of scientific documents as needed.