COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Every Exelixis employee is united in an ambitious cause: to launch innovative medicines that give patients, and their families hope for the future. In this pursuit, we know our employees are our most valuable asset. After operating in the challenging biotech sector for 25 years, we have a proven track record of resiliency in the face of adversity. The success of our lead product has provided a solid commercial foundation allowing us to reinvigorate our research efforts and grow our team in areas such as Drug Discovery, Clinical Development and Commercial.

As we expand our global partnerships and further reinvest in R&D to help us discover the next breakthrough for difficult-to-treat cancers, we’re seeking to add talented, dedicated employees to power our mission.

Cancer is our cause. Make it yours, too.

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

In Discovery Biotherapeutics, the Senior Scientist I in Translational Biology provides in vitro pharmacology support for the advancement of the biologics’ portfolio at Exelixis.  The incumbent must have a strong cell biology background in cancer as s/he supports preclinical activities of ongoing and new biologics projects in antibody drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, optimize, and execute in vitro biochemical and cellular assays in support of proof-of-concept and mechanism of action studies on antibody drug conjugate oncology programs from discovery to post lead selection. 

Lead characterization and validation of new models to investigate relevant safety liabilities for antibody drug conjugate and immuno-oncology drugs.

Critical scientific/technical data analysis and interpretation of experiments.

Interact and collaborate with internal departments to deliver quality and timely findings in support of drug candidate advancement.

Effectively communicate scientific concepts, findings, and interpretation to multi-disciplinary teams.

Follow company intellectual property and compliance policies and practices.

Comply with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in pharmacology, cancer biology, or closely related discipline and a minimum of seven (7) years of related experience; or,

Master’s degree in pharmacology, cancer biology, or closely related discipline and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience; or,

PhD degree in pharmacology, cancer biology, or closely related discipline and zero (0) or more years of related experience; or,

Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: 

Strong hands-on experience in cell culture (immortalize cells, primary cells, & 3D culture), cell line generation (overexpression and knock outs/ins), flow cytometry, cell-based assays (fluorescence and chemiluminescence), and fluorescent microscopy (live and fixed).

Good to have experience using spinning disk confocal and Incucyte.

Good to have experience in IHC method development for new targets and binders.

Good to have experience in genomics analysis and bioinformatics.

Familiar with image analysis software, such as Imaris, FIJI, Harmony, and HALO.

Previous experience working with ADCs strongly preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

Demonstrated drive for rigorous scientific excellence.  Ability to think critically and creatively to identify and solve scientific problems.

Ability to work independently, excellent time management and organization skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Good knowledge of tumor biology and using oncology-based in vivo models for drug discovery is a plus. 

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. 

A strong team player.

Skillful in multi-color flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture and related techniques.

Advanced knowledge in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, GraphPad prism.

Good tracking record and report writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in office

Exposures encountered, such as hazardous materials, and extreme cold.

Travel required (up to 10%)

#LI-HG1

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this position is $110,500 - $157,000 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidate’s geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors.

In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

DISCLAIMER 
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.