Associate Scientist 1

This location will change to Pasadena, CA in March 2023

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 an Associate Scientist 1 – In Vivo Pharmacology to join our team.

Summary:

Responsible for conducting research and contributing expertise to the assigned function and team within the Preclinical Development and Research divisions

Successful candidate will work with highly motivated research scientists in a goal-oriented multi-project environment. Must be 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.

Job Duties Include:

• Extensive experience with nonclinical disease models, with a focus on murine xenografts and all associated in-life procedures
• Strong understandingof IACUC policies and practices, familiarity with vivarium operations and in-depth knowledge of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Highly proficient at in vivo animal research
• techniques and associated skills including, but not limited to, basic husbandry and health monitoring, injections (IP, SC, ID, IV, PO routes), necropsy and tissue collections, physical caliper measurements of tumors, serum processing, IVIS (in vivo imaging) of disseminated tumors
• Extensive experience with sterile tissue culture and associated skills for in vivo cell injection.  Aseptic preparation of media, freezing and thawing of cells, expanding/splitting cells for in vivo implantation, basic microscopy, hemacytometer/cell counting, viability staining, maintenance of cell banks for tissue culture cell lines and troubleshooting
• Proficiency at handling human blood leukopaks and huPBMC purification for subsequent in vivo injection
• Expertise with test article and reagent formulations for in vivo dosing
• Proficiency at scheduling and conducting all aspects of in vivo studies
• Experience with immunization protocols, handling and preparation of antigen/adjuvant and injection.  Coordination of timing for boosting schedules and coordination of bleeds
• Handles human tissue samples
• Contributes to strategy and the best course of action for in vivo pharmacology programs
• May provide scientific leadership and monitoring of in vivo pharmacology studies implemented at contract laboratories
• Analyzes and interprets in vivo study results, and makes recommendations to project teams and senior management based on thorough analysis of in vivo data
• Prepares study reports and assigned sections of technical documents for regulatory submissions
• Maintains current knowledge in the field of in vivo pharmacology and research
• 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

Job Qualifications:

• Hands on in vivo pharmacology research experience required
• Position minimally requires a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field with at least 6 years of hands-on in vivo animal research experience
• At least 4 years of hands on, animal research experience in an industry setting also required. An MS degree with at least 4 years of hands-on experience and 2 years industry setting hands on experience in animal research experience is preferred

Position also requires:

• Must have in vivo experience, this is strictly a hands-on in vivo pharmacology position
• Required to work overtime and weekends/holidays as required by study designs
• Attention to animal welfare at all times
• Experience managing in vivo study teams, using Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism and StudyLog required
• Proven track record of collaboration on project teams matrixed across functions, including contract laboratories
• In vivo imaging and PDX model experience preferred
• 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.

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.

Expected Base Salary Range:  $90,000.00 - $99,000.00

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/.

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.  New employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination 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 HR@xencor.com.

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.