Director, Translational Biology

Director, Translational Biology

Introduction:

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. For more information, please visitwww.xencor.com. We have an excellent opportunity for a Director, Translational Biology to join our team.

Summary:

Responsible for providing leadership and expertise to drive the development and execution of biomarker plans in the Xencor portfolio. 

Job Duties:

• Provides timely and scientific sound expertise in the biomarker analysis in clinical biospecimens in clinical studies using Xencor bispecific therapeutics (T cell engagers, checkpoint inhibitors, targeted and engineered cytokines, and other modalities. Leads the development of biomarker plans and clinical biomarker data analysis, interpretation, and presentation to internal and external stakeholders
• Provides ancillary support for clinical biomarkers including program management assistance and expert internal bioinformatics, including a web-based portal dashboard to analyze all clinical endpoints and biomarkers
• Collaborates with all members of the Translational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biometrics, Pre-Clinical and Clinical Development teams, and is accountable for the oversight and quality analysis of immunobiological data (flow cytometry/multiplex immunofluorescence/cytokines) for clinical samples and genomics/transcriptomics data for clinical samples
• Plans, implements and manages biomarker projects with outside laboratories
• Champions analysis of genomics/transcriptomics for tumor biopsies and peripheral blood samples
• Participates with preclinical projects that drive potential clinical translation including immunological/ genomic/transcriptomic analysis of cultured cells or tissues/blood from animal models
• Acts as lead contact on high dimensional data sets, e.g., transcriptomics of clinical trials
• Ensures that clinical biomarker data is scientifically rigorous and supports clinical development
• Presents pre-clinical data and the relevant literature at internal meetings
• Manages vendor analytic labs
• Contributes to publications and presentations as necessary
• Represents supported projects at scientific conferences
• 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.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Position requires a PhD in biological sciences, cell biology, immunology or a related field, with a minimum of 12 years related laboratory work experience including at least 8 years in an industry setting. Specific expertise and experience in in pre-clinical/translational drug discovery, demonstrated strong achievements in academic and industry settings.  Requires pre-clinical development experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry and at least 5 years of people management experience is also required.  Experience in a small biotech company environment is preferred. 

Position also requires:

• Strong knowledge of immunology and cell biology
• Knowledge of international regulations pertinent to current clinical development (e.g., ICH, FDA, EMA)
• Ability to analyze complex flow cytometric data (FloJo), transcriptomics (including Nanostring and RNAseq) and multiplex immunofluorescence
• Understanding of immunobiology and eagerness to work with cutting edge clinical immunoncology data
• Ability to analyze complex flow cytometric data, transcriptomics (including Nanostring and RNAseq) and multiplex immunofluorescence
• Highly advanced oral, writing and presentations skills
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills with the ability to set and meet deadlines
• Highly competent user of common software and data analysis packages such as SoftMax Pro, GraphPad Prism, JMP and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong knowledge of statistical concepts
• Thorough understanding of FDA and international (ICH, OECD, e.g.) regulations and guidelines governing the conduct of preclinical studies for regulatory submissions 
• Knowledge of GxP as relevant to laboratory practices in sample handling and analysis of GLP, GCP, and/or GMP samples and specimens
• Knowledge of industry guidance's for the development, qualification/validation of functional cell-based assays, GMP Potency methods, and/or neutralizing antibody assays 
• Ability to demonstrate competencies applicable for job based on Xencor’s Leadership Competency Model
• 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.

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

Expected Base Salary Range:  $215,000.00 - $250,000.00

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/.

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.  New employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination 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.