Research Associate 1

Research Associate 1

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 Research Associate 1 in our bioanalytical development groupto join our team.

This position is fully onsite at our Pasadena, CA. location

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:

• Supports the development, qualification, and execution of immunoassays for the detection of therapeutic antibodies, anti-drug antibodies (ADA), pharmacokinetics (PK), and biomarkers in preclinical and clinical samples.
• 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 Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field with at least 1-2 years of related laboratory work experience in an academic or industry settings.  Hands-on experience with immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, MSD, or similar platforms) is preferred. 

Position also requires:

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• 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
• Ability to demonstrate competencies applicable for job based on Xencor’s Leadership Competency Model.

Depending on assigned research group, certain Research Associate 1 positions may also require any or all of the following:

• Technical proficiency and experience developing and running immunoassays and/or bioassays.
• Experience in protein labelling and conjugation techniques.
• Assist in the development and optimization of ELISA, ECL (MSD), and other ligand-binding assays (LBA) for PK, ADA, and biomarker assessments.
• Perform sample analysis under GLP-like conditions, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Contribute to method qualification, troubleshooting, and assay performance evaluations.
• Experience applying complex, multiple cell type co-culture techniques
• Experience with aseptic techniques such as may be required for working in BSCs. Experience with mammalian cell culture (aseptic preparation of media, freezing and thawing of cells, expanding/splitting cells for in vivo implantation
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and detailed documentation including assay worksheets and experimental summaries.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and adhere to all safety and quality protocols.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to support preclinical and clinical study timelines.
• Assist in data interpretation, reporting, and presenting findings in internal meetings.

Physical, Mental and Environment Demands:

The physical, mental and working environment demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this position.

The working environment for this role includes working in a research laboratory which may involve running experiments and operating laboratory scale process equipment for sample and data generation.  Occasionally, repetitive tasks, prolonged standing, and the use of PPE for handling hazardous and biohazardous materials may be required.  See additional requirements for laboratory and research related jobs listed below.

The physical demands when working in the office environment are normally associated with extended amounts of time sitting and using office equipment, including a computer, keyboard and mouse, which can cause muscle strain. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Periodic light lifting of supplies and materials may apply.

Specific mental demands for the position are listed above under requirements.  In addition, mental demands for this position include:

• Ability to multitask without loss of efficiency or accuracy, including the ability to perform multiple duties from multiple sources.
• Ability to work and sustain attention with distractions and/or interruptions.
• Ability to interact appropriately with a variety of individuals including vendors, customers and clients.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and be punctual.
• Ability to understand, remember and follow verbal and written instructions.

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 may also be 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

Work for this position is generally performed at Xencor’s worksite and requires full-time commitment.

Expected Base Salary Range:  $70,700 – $78,000

The actual salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including skills, competencies, education and experience. Xencor offers a competitive total rewards package including 401k match, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits.  In addition, this position will be eligible for an annual bonus and equity grant. For more information, please see https://xencor.com/careers/.

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 [email protected].

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.