Job Description
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 lea