Scientific Manager

Xencor is an innovative, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in the Los Angeles area—near Pasadena—and in San Diego. We use our pioneering XmAb® technology to discover and develop better biotherapeutics, antibodies and cytokines with improved function, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. We have an excellent opportunity for a Scientific Manager to join our team.

Our protein engineering capabilities and the modular nature of our XmAb technology allow us to quickly identify and create new platforms and drug candidates for potential development. We are advancing a deep clinical pipeline of novel drug candidates, including eight bispecific antibodies and two engineered cytokines, and more programs are expected to start clinical testing in 2022. We also leverage our many XmAb technologies by collaborating with leading global biopharmaceutical companies, including Genentech and Janssen Biotech, among others, and including our partnerships, 20 XmAb drug candidates are advancing through clinical development. Three XmAb medicines, to treat patients with a range of serious illnesses, such as aggressive lymphoma, rare blood disorders and COVID-19, are now marketed worldwide by partners.

Our employees are the most important factor in our success, and we have assembled a highly talented group from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to execute our business plan and shape our future. Xencor employees’ value new ideas and flexibility and demand from each other scientific rigor, a passion for innovation, and a willingness to take risks.

Summary:

Responsible for oversight of essential functions, operations, and scientific and business processes in assigned research area of specialty.

Job Duties Include:

• Works closely with technicians, associates, scientists and management across departments to provide tactical support for research discovery or development efforts
• Implements, executes and reports studies focused on identifying therapeutic antibody and protein candidates in the areas of oncology, inflammation and autoimmune disease.
• Designs, analyzes, and interprets experimental data
• Creates SOPs, presentations and technical reports
• Communicates data to team members in a timely manner
• Presents data to senior management in departmental or companywide meetings
• Leads, participates and/or presents in group meetings
• Interacts with other departments to coordinate research & development efforts
• Stays informed on evolving techniques and new methods in their field and implements those processes at Xencor as appropriate
• Ensures compliance with all laboratory safety guidelines, practices and protocols
• Adheres to all department and company-wide policies regarding conduct, performance and procedures
• Provides oversight and direction to direct and indirect reports, as applicable, in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures.  The responsibilities may include, but are not limited to recruiting, training, communicating job expectations, appraising and managing job performance, delivering feedback and coaching, and providing career development planning and opportunities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field, an MS degree is preferred and at least 12 years of prior related laboratory work experience is also required, with at least 8 of those years in an industry setting. At least 1 year of prior experience managing direct reports is also required.

The company reserves the right to consider internal experience in lieu of the education or experience requirements listed above.

Position also requires:

• Strong organization skills and ability to adhere to tight timelines.
• Must have good interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others at all levels
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented multi-project environment
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage others through coaching and supervision, in accordance with company policies and practices. Ensures employee performance meets the organization’s expectations for conduct, productivity, quality, continuous improvement, and goal accomplishment

Physical, Mental and Environment Demands:

The physical, mental and working environment demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this position.

The working environment for this role includes working in a research laboratory which may involve running experiments and operating laboratory scale process equipment for sample and data generation.  Occasionally, repetitive tasks, prolonged standing, and the use of PPE for handling hazardous and biohazardous materials may be required.  See additional requirements for laboratory and research related jobs listed below.

The physical demands of the office are normally associated with extended amounts of time sitting and using office equipment, including a computer, keyboard and mouse, which can cause muscle strain. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Periodic light lifting of supplies and materials may apply.

Specific mental demands for the position are listed above under requirements.  In addition, mental demands for this position include:

• Ability to multitask without loss of efficiency or accuracy, including the ability to perform multiple duties from multiple sources.
• Ability to work and sustain attention with distractions and/or interruptions.
• Ability to interact appropriately with a variety of individuals including vendors, customers and clients.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and be punctual.
• Ability to understand, remember and follow verbal and written instructions.

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.

Occasional travel may be required, including travel between Xencor’s Monrovia and San Diego offices. Work for this position is generally performed at Xencor’s worksite and requires full-time commitment.

Xencor requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  Being fully vaccinated means that at least two weeks have passed since an individual’s final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, including any boosters recommended by the CDC.  New employees will be required to provide proof of their fully COVID-19 vaccinated status as of their start date unless an exemption or accommodation is approved. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

The Company will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact HR@xencor.com.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Xencor does not accept profiles or resumes from recruiting vendors without a binding written agreement. Any unsolicited submission of services and or resumes in no way creates an obligation or duty by Xencor, implied or otherwise.