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About The Role

The biology group at Xaira seeks an accomplished immunology scientist. The research scientist will identify and validate potential targets and lead a team to perform in vitro and in vivo research to characterize hit and lead matter to enable identification of drug candidate(s). They will be responsible for managing a team of scientists to design and perform pharmacology studies using existing and novel assays aimed at evaluating the effects of molecules in allergy and inflammation models.

About You

Our ideal candidate will have a strong and established background in immunology, experience in lymphocyte and myeloid cell isolation/derivation and culture, in vivo allergy and inflammation (skin, lung, and gastrointestinal) models, and a proven record of successfully leading diverse project teams to produce novel therapeutics. You will have experience with project conception, strategic planning, budgeting, and both leading as well as contributing to cross-functional and matrixed teams. Additionally, you will have a working knowledge of various research areas including skin/lung/gastrointestinal allergy/inflammation, biochemistry, toxicology, and histology.

You will lead by influence and maintain a productive, collaborative, and inclusive laboratory environment. Experience managing projects from early-stage research through development is required.

A key role for the position is partnering with senior management to conceive and provide strategic direction and vision for the program while leading a team responsible for executing the technical aspects of the plan. Strong communication skills are essential as you must be able to tailor interactions with technical teams and represent the program and strategy to executive-level management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an allergy/inflammation therapeutic strategy in alignment with corporate goals and key scientific objectives in drug discovery research.
• Drive drug discovery by leading team members in identifying and validating targets, designing and performing in vitro and in vivo assays, and analyzing results.
• Liaise with molecular design and generation, toxicology, immunology, bioanalytical, and clinical development colleagues.
• As programs advance, develop plans to address and reduce risks in collaboration with key stakeholders to help progress into clinical studies.
• Manage project activities and professional development of a team of scientists through effective mentoring, guidance, and supervision.
• Advance scientific expertise within the immunology function and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to advance programs from research to development.
• Develop forward looking strategies to identify and implement novel assays, measurements, and technologies that increase throughput, quality, and reproducibility of research results.
• Ensure the quality and effectiveness of key project results through sound design, early risk assessments, and implementation of backup strategies.
• Responsible for data management, data QC, and technical report writing.
• Author regulatory documents in compliance with regulations, including protocols, study reports, relevant sections of investigator brochures and INDs, and other similar documents.

Qualifications

• PhD and postdoctoral studies in biology, immunology, biochemistry, or equivalent field with a robust publication record in leading scientific journals.
• 5-10+ years of work experience in biotech or pharma with target identification/validation and drug discovery and development.
• Extensive experience with immuno-pharmacological assays and in vivo pharmacology in an industrial research environment, with 5-10+ years of experience managing teams and cross-functional projects.
• Proven track record of driving early to late-stage discovery programs using multiple modalities.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in immuno-biology of both innate and adaptive systems.
• At a minimum, conversant in lymphoid and myeloid cell biology with some experience in mast cell biology.
• Direct experience with skin/lung/gastrointestinal allergy/inflammation animal models and measurements.
• Extremely organized and experienced with documentation of experimental plans, budget, timelines, and technical reports.
• Experience in authoring and QCing technical reports and regulatory documents.
• Highly organized and self-directed, capable of leading multiple complex research programs in parallel.
• Strong understanding of standard statistical analysis of scientific data using data software tools (e.g., Prism, SigmaPlot, and SPSS).
• Ability to critically analyze data and lead teams to solve issues and make best strategic decisions.
• Highly collaborative, team-oriented, and considerate of the needs of others.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical development processes, including lead characterization, CMC considerations, and GxP tox & safety.
• Proven team leadership and management abilities, including experience mentoring, guiding, supervising, and developing scientific personnel with various backgrounds and training levels.

Compensation

The specific compensation package for this role depends on experience, qualifications and level. We anticipate the compensation range to be $114,000 to $200,000 per year.

Xaira Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration, and we welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.