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 an Associate Scientist 1 to join our team.
Position Summary:
Responsible for conducting research and contributing expertise to support antibody discovery, engineering, and characterization efforts across Xencor’s preclinical pipeline within the Protein Sciences & Technology department. This role will help advance antibody screening and developability assessments through hands-on execution of cell-based, flow cytometry, and biophysical assays that inform lead selection and project decisions. The ideal candidate will bring strong experimental and troubleshooting skills, with an interest in or experience leveraging automation, data analysis tools, and AI-assisted technologies to enhance assay workflows, data processing, and reporting capabilities.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Collaborates with other functional area experts within a project team environment
- Contributes to strategy and the best course of action for assigned programs
- Designs robust and comprehensive research studies to support research and development new and ongoing programs
- May provide scientific leadership and monitoring of studies implemented at contract laboratories
- Analyzes and interprets study results, and makes recommendations to project teams and senior management based on thorough analysis
- Prepares study reports and assigned sections of technical documents for regulatory submissions
- May review product quality data, including product safety testing
- Maintains current knowledge in the field and area(s) of scientific expertise
- Adheres to all department and company-wide policies regarding conduct, performance and procedures
- Provides oversight and direction to direct and indirect reports, as applicable, in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures. The responsibilities may include, but are not limited to recruiting, training, communicating job expectations, appraising and managing job performance, delivering feedback and coaching, and providing career development planning and opportunities.
- Performs other duties as required.
- Support antibody discovery, engineering, and characterization activities by executing cell-based assays, multi-color flow cytometry, and plate-based developability assays. Execute, optimize, and troubleshoot high-throughput experimental workflows, including liquid handling systems. Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate experimental results to project teams in a clear and timely manner. Contribute to the development and streamlining of data analysis and reporting workflows through scripting, workflow automation, and laboratory informatics tools. Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure proper data integrity, traceability, and documentation practices. Support laboratory operations through routine instrument maintenance, inventory management, reagent preparation, and sample tracking.
Education/Experience/Skills:
Position minimally requires a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field with at least 6 years related laboratory experience. At least 4 years work experience in an industry setting also required. An MS degree is with at least 4 years related experience and 2 years industry setting experience is preferred. Prior people or process management experience is also preferred.
Position also requires:
- Proven track record of collaboration on project teams matrixed across functions, including contract laboratories and corporate partners
- Sound theoretical and experimental background in biology, chemistry, or related field coupled with technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with scientific colleagues and executive management
- Excellent organizational documentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; adaptive learning and critical thinking
- Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment with initiative and flexibility in delivering independent and matrixed team contributions
- 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
- Ability to effectively manage others through coaching and supervision, in accordance with company policies and practices. Ensures employee performance meets the organization’s expectations for conduct, productivity, quality, continuous improvement, and goal accomplishment.
- Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, transient/stable cell line generation, and cell-based antibody screening assays, including binding and competition assays, reporter assays, and related screening technologies.
- Demonstrated experience with multi-color flow cytometry and flow cytometry data analysis software (e.g., FlowJo, OMIQ, or equivalent).
- Experience with high-throughput assay workflows and liquid handling systems.
- Experience with scientific data analysis and visualization platforms such as Benchling, GraphPad Prism, SpotFire, or similar tools.
- Experience applying scripting, data automation, or AI-assisted tools to improve experimental data processing, visualization, and reporting is strongly preferred.
- Experience with plate-based biochemical and developability assays such as polyreactivity ELISA, thermal stability assays, self-association assays, or related methods is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot assays, optimize experimental workflows, and generate reproducible high-quality data.
- Strong organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
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 are also 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 incubators.
