Principal Associate Scientist, Biology (Contract)

About Xaira Therapeutics

Xaira 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 Role
Xaira Therapeutics is seeking a Principal Associate Scientist to join our Biology & Pharmacology team. This is a hands-on, lab-based role focused on executing in vitro and ex-vivo experiments to support immunology and translational research programs.

This position is ideal for someone with strong experience working with immune cell systems and functional assays who enjoys bench work and contributing to data generation in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will work closely with scientists across biology and pharmacology to generate high-quality data that supports ongoing discovery efforts.

What You’ll Do

• Execute in vitro and ex-vivo experiments to support disease biology, target validation, and therapeutic development
• Perform immune cell isolation, culture, and functional assays using primary human and/or mouse systems
• Conduct immune profiling using flow cytometry, including multi-parameter panel execution and analysis
• Perform functional assays such as T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine profiling
• Prepare and process tissue samples, including generating single-cell suspensions for downstream assays
• Generate, analyze, and clearly document experimental data to support team decision-making
• Maintain accurate lab records and ensure reproducibility of experimental workflows
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support ongoing research programs

What We’re Looking For

• B.S. or M.S. in Immunology, Biology, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong hands-on experience with primary immune cell systems (human and/or mouse)
• Proven experience executing flow cytometry-based assays
• Experience with cell-based functional assays (e.g., cytokine assays, proliferation assays)
• Ability to independently execute experiments and troubleshoot technical issues
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record keeping
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Employment Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 7 Months

We 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 $55-$65 hourly; however, the base pay offered may vary depending on the market, job-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, and experience.

Xaira Therapeutics 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.

TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: Xaira Therapeutics does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias or employees. Xaira Therapeutics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.