About the role
Senior Scientist, Cell Pharmacology
Xilio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing tumor-activated
immuno-oncology (I-O) therapies with the goal of significantly improving outcomes for people living
with cancer without the systemic side effects of current I-O treatments. The company is using its
proprietary platform to advance a pipeline of novel, tumor-activated clinical and preclinical I-O
molecules that are designed to optimize the therapeutic index by localizing anti-tumor activity within
the tumor microenvironment. Learn more by visiting www.xiliotx.com and follow us on LinkedIn (Xilio
Therapeutics, Inc.).
SUMMARY
The Senior Scientist, Cell Pharmacology is responsible for the development and execution of cell-based
in vitro and ex vivo assays to support our immune-oncology pipeline. This key role offers the opportunity
to directly contribute to Xilio’s cutting edge science by developing innovative assay systems and
generating decision-driving data that drive our programs forward. This role provides an exciting
opportunity to directly influence ongoing programs and contribute to the discovery of new drugs to
treat cancer patients. The pay range for this role is $126,000-$147,500.
Responsibilities
- Work as an integrated member of the research team to generate data to support ongoing drug
discovery efforts.
- Serve as an expert in the development of functional cell-based assays to support discovery
programs and test Xilio molecule activation.
- Develop and implement automation using liquid handling robotics to enhance throughput for
cell-based and cell-free in vitro assays.
- Implement and execute cell-based experiments such as phenotypic assays and reporter gene
assays (RGA), which assess drug candidate activity and mechanism of action.
- Develop and run binding assays via flow cytometry, ELISA and MSD.
- Culture primary human tumor and immune cells for ex vivo experiments.
- Carry out enzymatic cleavage experiments with recombinant proteases.
- Perform gel electrophoresis and western blot assays to assess recombinant proteins.
- Research relevant literature to devise cellular functional experiments. Implement, develop, and
perform in vitro assays to characterize novel therapeutic proteins
- Integrate technologies that improve or expand the ability to assay molecules by working with
teammates, collaborators, vendors, and staying abreast of the literature.
- Enter all data into laboratory notebooks and databases daily
- Participation and presentation of data at group meetings.
- Mentor junior scientists.
- Represent cell pharmacology function at project team meetings.
- Provide assay development expertise to support CMC, non-clinical DMPK, and Tox studies.
Skills, Qualifications, and Requirements
- BS/MS/PhD in the field of Biology, or other related fields 7+ years post-graduate experience with BS,
5+ years post-graduate experience with MS or 3+ years experience with a PhD
- Demonstrated strong background in IO / Immunology / T-Cell Engagers or a related field.
- Experience with automation / liquid handlers for mid to high throughput assays strongly preferred.
- Previous experience with Flow Cytometry, ELISA, and MSD-based readouts.
- Skilled in cell/tissue culture techniques and cell-based assays
- Experience with culture of primary human tumor and immune cells, and Western blots
- Technical experience in the development, qualification, and execution of assays for protease
characterization in human tissues
- Goal oriented, organized, capable of working on multiple projects, and able to execute to timelines
that align with company goals
- Willing to learn new techniques and skills
- Work well in a cross functional team environment
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Primary tumor processing experience is preferred
- Experience with measuring enzymatic activity is preferred
Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining,
incentivizing and developing our existing and additional employees. We are committed to equal
opportunity and inclusion across all aspects of our organization, including in our recruitment,
advancement and development practices. We conduct annual performance and development reviews
for each of our employees to discuss the individual’s strengths and development opportunities, career
development goals and performance goals. We also regularly survey employees to assess employee
engagement and satisfaction. In addition, each regular full-time employee is provided an allowance and
time to attend appropriate job-related trainings and other professional development courses, seminars,
meetings, and similar sessions. If you are an individual with a disability who requires an accommodation
with the hiring process, please reach out to careers@xiliotx.com