Xencor

Xencor is an innovative, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in the Los Angeles area—near Pasadena—and in San Diego. We use our pioneering XmAb® technology to discover and develop better biotherapeutics, antibodies and cytokines with improved function, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. We have an excellent opportunity for a Research Associate 1 to join our team.

Our protein engineering capabilities and the modular nature of our XmAb technology allow us to quickly identify and create new platforms and drug candidates for potential development. We are advancing a deep clinical pipeline of novel drug candidates, including eight bispecific antibodies and two engineered cytokines, and more programs are expected to start clinical testing in 2022. We also leverage our many XmAb technologies by collaborating with leading global biopharmaceutical companies, including Genentech and Janssen Biotech, among others, and including our partnerships, 20 XmAb drug candidates are advancing through clinical development. Three XmAb medicines, to treat patients with a range of serious illnesses, such as aggressive lymphoma, rare blood disorders and COVID-19, are now marketed worldwide by partners.

Our employees are the most important factor in our success, and we have assembled a highly talented group from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to execute our business plan and shape our future. Xencor employees’ value new ideas and flexibility and demand from each other scientific rigor, a passion for innovation, and a willingness to take risks.

Summary:
Responsible for contributing to daily laboratory operations in support of the identification of therapeutic antibody candidates using specialized methods specific to the assigned group, function or department.

Job Duties Include:

Contributes to research team efforts by designing and running experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting data
Develops, conducts, and troubleshoots various immunological and cellular bioassays including proliferation, apoptosis, viability, activation, and cytotoxicity assays using various read-outs including flow cytometry, luminescence, fluorescence, and ELISA, to deliver PK, ADA, biomarker and potency data in support of research and GxP studies
Supports efforts to implement, execute and report studies focused on identifying therapeutic antibody and protein candidates in the areas of oncology, inflammation and autoimmune disease.
Follows developing and established standard operating procedures in a regulated laboratory (GMP)
Maintains chemical inventory, laboratory equipment and related supplies
Maintains compliant records
Documents experimental protocols, designs, and results in a laboratory notebook
Utilizes appropriate research 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 help prepare SOPs, presentations and technical reports
May help present data to management in departmental
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 requires a High School diploma or GED; a Certificate, Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field is preferred. At least, 1 years of prior related laboratory work experience in an academic or industry setting is also required with some industry experience preferred.
The company reserves the right to consider internal experience in lieu of the education or experience requirements listed above.

Position also requires:

Proficiency in common software and data analysis packages such as SoftMax Pro, GraphPad Prism, JMP, and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)
Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented multi-project environment
Detail orientation, good documentation practice and strong organizational skills
Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work well in a team as well as independently
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to work both independently and in a team setting, have excellent oral and written communication skills and be available for work on weekends
Ability to perform method development, write protocols, maintain detailed records and inventory are required
Ability to adapt to changing priorities

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

Technical expertise in different bioassays
Precision pipetting and previous immunoassay and/or bioassay experience in a regulated medical/research lab desired
Experiences in flow cytometry, with expertise in multi-laser flow cytometry highly preferred
Experience in tissue cultures required
Experience applying complex, multiple cell type co-culture techniques is also highly preferred
Experience with mammalian cell culture (aseptic preparation of media, freezing and thawing of cells, expanding/splitting cells for in vivo implantation), basic laboratory procedures such as protein quantitation, ELISA, and experience with Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism
Ability to handle human tissue samples
Experience in protein chemistry, structural biology, protein formulation, stability assessments, labelling and conjugation techniques.

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 of the office 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 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.

Occasional travel may be required, including travel between Xencor’s Monrovia and San Diego offices. Work for this position is generally performed at Xencor’s worksite and requires full-time commitment.

Xencor requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that at least two weeks have passed since an individual’s final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, including any boosters recommended by the CDC. New employees will be required to provide proof of their fully COVID-19 vaccinated status as of their start date unless an exemption or accommodation is approved.

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.