Scientist, Advanced Cell Engineering

Company: Menlo Ventures
Location: Seattle
Posted on: April 2, 2025

Job Description:

About Xaira TherapeuticsXaira is an innovative biotech startup focused on leveraging AI to transform drug discovery and development. The company is leading the development of generative AI models to design protein and antibody therapeutics, enabling the creation of medicines against historically hard-to-drug molecular targets. It is also developing foundation models for biology and disease to enable better target elucidation and patient stratification. Collectively, these technologies aim to continually enable the identification of novel therapies and to improve success in drug development. Xaira is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and London.About the RoleWe are looking for a talented and innovative Scientist to join our Advanced Cell Engineering team at Xaira Therapeutics. This role involves designing and executing advanced cell engineering protocols and differentiation strategies to support our high-throughput functional genomics and drug discovery efforts. The scientist will lead the development of iPSC-based models to enable cutting-edge research in functional genomics and disease modeling collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive impactful results.Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize protocols for iPSC engineering, gene editing, and targeted cell differentiation to model disease states and physiological conditions.
• Lead iPSC-based projects, ensuring high-quality experimental design, data generation, and analysis, with a focus on reproducibility and scalability.
• Conduct gene editing (e.g., CRISPR) to create custom iPSC lines, validating genotypic and phenotypic fidelity.
• Develop and implement QC protocols to assess cell quality, viability, and phenotype during iPSC maintenance, expansion, and differentiation stages.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency and outcomes in iPSC engineering and differentiation.
• Collaborate closely with other scientists in functional genomics, assay development, and high-throughput screening to integrate engineered iPSC lines into various discovery workflows.
• Present findings, updates, and recommendations to project teams and senior management.Qualifications
• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field, with 1-3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Strong expertise in iPSC culture, maintenance, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR), and differentiation techniques.
• Proven experience in developing and troubleshooting iPSC differentiation protocols for various cell types.
• Hands-on experience with molecular and cell biology techniques, including PCR, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, cloning, and viral transduction.
• Knowledge of high-throughput screening, functional genomics, or drug discovery is a plus.
• Experience with data analysis using Python or R is a plus.
• Experience in immunology and inflammatory diseases is a plus.
• Exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and a strong ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present scientific data effectively.CompensationWe offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, seeking to provide an open, flexible, and friendly work environment to empower employees and provide them with a platform to develop their long-term careers. A Summary of Benefits is available for all applicants. We offer a competitive package that includes base salary, bonus, and equity. The base pay range for this position is expected to be $120,158 - $130,000 annually; however, the base pay offered may vary depending on the market, job-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, and experience.Xaira Therapeutics is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe that our strength is in our differences. Our goal to build a diverse and inclusive team began on day one, and it will never end.
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Keywords: Menlo Ventures, Seattle , Scientist, Advanced Cell Engineering, Engineering , Seattle, Washington