Senior Staff 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.

Role

We are looking for a motivated and innovative biological staff research associate to help develop Xilis’ transformative MOS-based 3D diagnostic platform. In this role, the individual hired will partner with world-class scientists and engineers to help develop and refine next-generation 3D models for Xilis’ programs. In a cross-functional team of thought-leaders in the fields of cancer biology, assay development, automation, drug discovery and engineering, the candidate will process samples, gather data, keep meticulous notes, and participate in a detailed analysis of results. Key findings will be used to support assay development and data generation within Xilis’ program structure. In addition, the suitable candidate will help process samples from various clinical sources and support assay development. The successful candidate will bring exceptional skills to the laboratory and an ability to work on large and complex experiments and will have prior experience in primary cell culture and experience with lab instrumentation. He or she will also have strong attention to detail and the integrity to precisely report any deviation or issue observed in the laboratory. Finally, the candidate’s communication skills will be stellar. 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. In the next few months and years, the candidate will:

• Run large and complex experiments under the guidance of R&D scientists
• Carefully maintain meticulous records of experimental designs, execution details, and results
• Organize and transparently present experimental results to the broader biological team

• Participate in project planning, experimental design, data analysis, and other scientific activities
• Support laboratory operations, troubleshooting of issues, and SOP development and maintenance in support of product development efforts
• Supervise lab activities and support lab organization
• 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

• A B.S. or M.S. degree in biology, biological sciences, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or equivalent
• 4+ years of laboratory experience in an industry or biotechnology setting, preferably including late-stage product development experience
• Experience in leading and training junior research associates and technicians
• A proven track record of independently and successfully running complex experiments and assisting in the development of novel assays
• Hands-on experience with processing and handling tissue samples and primary tissue culture is an advantage
• Experience with 3D cell culture is desirable
• Strong enthusiasm for being in the laboratory to personally run experiments
• A strong sense of commitment, integrity, and ability to approach 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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