Research Associate

Xilis, Inc. is an innovation-driven biotech company developing its proprietary MicroOrganoSphere (“MOS”) Technology for functional precision oncology. Xilis’ MOS Technology enables rapid and scalable generation of patient tumor models that retain patient-specific tumor biology and tumor microenvironment, representing one of the most translationally-relevant ex vivo technologies for precision oncology drug discovery and development. Located in Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, Xilis is building a functional precision medicine platform that incorporates scaled multi-modal profiling of therapeutic activity and AI/ML-enabled analytics to catalyze functional precision medicine drug discovery, development and diagnostics. Collectively, Xilis aims to harness its MOS Platform to enable development of the most effective therapeutics and guide them to the right patients at the right time.

The candidate will execute critical experiments in the laboratory to nurture and support Xilis' research and development team. Working very closely with thought leaders in immunology, cancer biology, and assay development, the candidate will process samples, gather data, keep meticulous notes, and participate in a detailed analysis, drawing conclusions, and formulation of next steps / experimental designs. The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic and bring exceptional skills to the laboratory with an ability to independently run complex experiments. He or she will have prior experience in primary cell culture, flow cytometry assays, molecular biology techniques, and a demonstrated ability to operate and maintain lab instrumentation and lab automation. Cross-functional team support and communication are central for this position. The candidate will report to the R&D program lead.

By joining the team at an early stage, the candidate will have an outsized impact on fundamentally advancing precision cancer care therapy.

• Follow protocol and directions under the guidance of the company’s most senior experts
• Carefully maintain meticulous records of experimental designs, execution details, and results
• Organize and transparently present experimental results to the broader program team
• Participate (Research associate) or be accountable (Senior RA) for project planning, experimental design, data analysis, and other scientific activities
• Process and maintain samples in support of assay development.
• Operate successfully in a rapidly changing, fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Share thoughts and ideas on how to improve performance in the lab
• Perform support tasks across the company as needs arise

• B.S. or M.S. degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology or equivalent
• 1+ years of laboratory experience in biotechnology or similar industry
• A proven track record of independently and successfully running experiments of cell culture, primary tissue culture, tissue processing, flow cytometry, ELISA and histology.
• Strong enthusiasm for being in the laboratory to personally run experiments
• Strong sense of commitment, integrity, and handling challenges collaboratively
• Experience and interest in a high-growth startup, where communication is key
• Work in a GDP documentation lab environment

• Meticulous attention to detail

Xilis was created when its three founders — an engineer, a physician, and a biologist — decided to come together and commercialize their technology to transform cancer care. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Furthermore, even if your work experience isn't perfectly aligned with what we've described above, if you're excited about what we're building then we want to talk to you!

Xilis offers comprehensive health, vision, dental & retirement plans, and unlimited PTO. We are a remote-friendly team: our headquarters are in Durham, North Carolina, but we have team members across the US (and beyond!).

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