Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

The role

You will lead the scientific strategy for one or more therapeutic programs in protein engineering. You will work with computational protein designers on AI-driven design and develop experiments to test designed molecules.

What you will do

• Define the scientific strategy for one or more therapeutic programs with the Disease Biology and Therapeutic Protein Design teams.
• Work with computational protein designers to incorporate structural and biological insights into design campaigns.
• Lead binder discovery campaigns, including screening strategy, result interpretation, and hit identification.
• Optimize binder affinity, specificity, and developability with protein designers.
• Serve as scientific lead in cross-functional program meetings.
• Design, produce, purify, and characterize therapeutic proteins and antibodies.
• Keep accurate experimental records in an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Contribute to technical reports, regulatory documents, and scientific presentations.
• Mentor and develop junior scientific staff.
• Oversee CROs doing outsourced work, ensuring data quality and timely delivery.

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline such as molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of industry experience in biotech or biopharma R&D supporting large-molecule therapeutic programs.
• Extensive hands-on experience in protein engineering, including structural and functional characterization of antibodies and other proteins.
• Deep expertise in antibody formats, production, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in developability assessments and stability studies.
• Proficiency with protein visualization and structure prediction tools such as PyMOL and AlphaFold.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to propose novel scientific approaches.
• Proactive, self-directed approach with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Enthusiasm for a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.
• Strong record of scientific achievement, such as first-author peer-reviewed publications or granted patents.

Nice to have

• Direct experience with structure prediction or machine learning tools for protein design.
• Experience collaborating with Process Development and supporting IND documentation.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Base salary, bonus, and equity.
• Flexible, friendly work environment.
• Platform to develop long-term career.
• Summary of Benefits available to all applicants.

Before you apply

• Xaira Therapeutics does not accept agency resumes.

About the company

Xaira is a biotech startup using AI to transform drug discovery and development, including generative AI models for protein and antibody therapeutics. It is also building foundation models for biology and disease.