Summary:

Responsible for providing support and contributing to daily laboratory operations, supporting efforts to identify and develop therapeutic antibody candidates using specialized methods specific to the assigned group, function or department.

Job Duties Include:

• Supports the development, qualification, and execution of immunoassays for the detection of anti-drug antibodies (ADA), pharmacokinetics (PK), and biomarkers in preclinical and clinical samples for therapeutic antibody and protein candidates in the areas of oncology, inflammation and autoimmune disease.
• Contributes to research team efforts toward designing and running experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting data
• Documents experimental protocols, designs, and results in a laboratory notebook
• Conducts and troubleshoots various experiments in support of research
• Executes standard operating procedures
• Maintains laboratory inventory, equipment and related supplies
• Utilizes computer programs to collect, analyze, and record data
• Analyzes and reports data, adhering to previously established timelines
• Communicates data to team members
• Contributes content to SOPs presentations and technical reports
• May present data in departmental meetings
• Follows all laboratory safety guidelines, practices and protocols
• Coordinates and collaborates on research-related tasks across multiple groups
• Adheres to all department and company-wide policies regarding conduct, performance and procedures
• Performs other duties as required.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Position minimally requires a High School diploma or GED with at least 6 years related laboratory work experience in an academic or industry setting. A Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field with at least 3 years' related laboratory work experience is preferred. A Master's degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field with 1-2 years' related laboratory work experience in an academic or industry setting is highly preferred. Industry experience is also preferred.

Position also requires:

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work well in a team and independently
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented multi-project environment
• Ability to understand and follow instructions from supervisors or other team members
• Ability to provide guidance to subordinate roles
• Detail oriented, good documentation practice and strong organizational skills; ability to perform method development with assistance, follow and write basic lab protocols, maintain detailed records and inventory
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and ability to use job relevant software programs like GraphPad Prism, JMP, SoftMax, MSD Discovery Workbench etc.
• Ability to demonstrate competencies applicable for job based on Xencor's Leadership Competency Model.

Depending on assigned research group, certain Research Associate 2 positions may also require any or all of the following:

• Technical proficiency and experience developing and running immunoassays and/or bioassays

• Experience in protein quantitation, labelling and conjugation techniques.
• Assist in the development and optimization of ELISA, ECL (MSD), and other ligand-binding assays (LBA) for PK, ADA, and biomarker assessments.
• Perform sample analysis under GLP-like conditions, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.

• Contribute to method qualification, troubleshooting, and assay performance evaluations
• Experiences in flow cytometry, with proficiency in multi-laser flow cytometry preferred
• Experience applying complex, multiple cell type co-culture techniques
• Experience with aseptic techniques such as may be required for working in BSCs. Experience with mammalian cell culture (aseptic preparation of media, freezing and thawing of cells, expanding/splitting cells for in vivo implantation).
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and detailed documentation including assay worksheets and experimental summaries.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and adhere to all safety and quality protocols.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to support preclinical and clinical study timelines.
• Assist in data interpretation, reporting, and presenting findings in internal meetings.

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.

Expected Base Salary Range: $80,000 - $96,000

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/.