Scientist II, Genomic Core

About the role

This position sits within the Genomics Core at Xaira Therapeutics, serving as a critical engine for high-quality data generation that directly fuels AI-driven drug discovery programs. The Scientist II will own the end-to-end lifecycle of next-generation sequencing experiments, translating biological questions into robust, scalable workflows. Primary ownership extends to Illumina and 10x Genomics platforms, where you will design, execute, and iteratively refine protocols to meet project-specific needs. You will act as the technical authority for NGS operations, ensuring that every dataset generated meets the rigorous standards of reproducibility and quality required for computational analysis. The role demands proactive troubleshooting and optimization, allowing the broader team to focus on biological discovery rather than experimental friction. You will partner closely with automation and informatics teams to future-proof workflows and integrate new technologies as they emerge. Success in this role is defined by your ability to deliver consistent, high-fidelity genomic data that accelerates the drug discovery pipeline.

Key facts

What you'll do

Demonstrate extensive hands-on expertise with Illumina sequencing platforms, including MiSeq, NextSeq, and NovaSeq, to execute routine and complex experimental runs.

Perform next-generation sequencing library preparation for diverse modalities, such as single-cell RNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, CRISPR-based assays, and targeted sequencing, ensuring consistent yield and quality.

Support CRISPR-based genomics workflows, including Perturb-seq, pooled CRISPR screens, and guide sequencing, from sample prep through data output.

Independently design, optimize, troubleshoot, and execute complex genomics experiments, reducing manual intervention and improving protocol robustness over time.

Implement rigorous sequencing quality control methods and library characterization techniques to assess sample integrity, sequencing depth, and data validity.

Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including molecular biologists, automation engineers, and computational scientists, to align experimental execution with project goals.

Prioritize multiple projects in a dynamic environment, managing timelines and resources while providing scientific and technical leadership within cross-functional settings.

Evaluate and implement emerging sequencing technologies and applications, such as 10x Genomics tools including ATAC, Immune Profiling, Multiome, and Flex, to expand experimental capabilities.

Contribute to the development and refinement of automated library preparation workflows, enhancing throughput and reproducibility across the Genomic Core.

Support AI/ML-driven biological research by generating high-quality, well-annotated genomic datasets that serve as foundational inputs for computational modeling and discovery.

Requirements

Hold a Ph.D. in Functional Genomics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related discipline with 2+ years of industry experience, or an M.S./B.S. with equivalent industry experience.

Demonstrate extensive hands-on experience operating Illumina sequencing platforms, including MiSeq, NextSeq, and NovaSeq.

Show deep expertise in next-generation sequencing library preparation, including single-cell RNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, CRISPR-based assays, and targeted sequencing.

Experience supporting CRISPR-based genomics workflows such as Perturb-seq, pooled CRISPR screens, and guide sequencing.

Proven ability to independently design, optimize, troubleshoot, and execute complex genomics experiments with minimal supervision.

Strong understanding of sequencing quality control methods, library characterization techniques, and experimental troubleshooting.

Effective experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including molecular biologists, automation engineers, and computational scientists.

Capability to prioritize multiple projects while providing scientific and technical leadership within cross-functional teams.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical findings to diverse scientific audiences.

Nice to have

Experience in a genomics core facility or high-throughput sequencing laboratory.

Experience developing or supporting automated library preparation workflows.

Familiarity with additional 10x Genomics applications such as ATAC, Immune Profiling, Multiome, and Flex.

Experience with molecular cloning, cell engineering, lentiviral workflows, or other functional genomics techniques.

Basic familiarity with bioinformatics tools, NGS data quality assessment, and sequencing data analysis pipelines.

Experience evaluating and implementing emerging sequencing technologies.

Experience supporting AI/ML-driven biological research through high-quality genomic data generation.

Practical notes

The role is based in South San Francisco, California, and may involve onsite presence as needed.

Xaira Therapeutics is an equal-opportunity employer building a diverse and inclusive team.

Typical interview steps

Research interviews usually include a presentation of past work, a technical discussion, and sometimes a research proposal exercise. Candidates may be asked to design a study or critique a method. Depth of understanding is tested more than speed. Interviewers often ask you to present your past work in depth. Being ready to defend every methodological choice is the core preparation.

Good to know

The role focuses on high-throughput experimental genomics within a fast-paced biotech environment.

Core responsibilities center on NGS operations, library preparation, and workflow optimization for discovery projects.

The Scientist II supports AI-driven research by ensuring data quality and reproducibility.

General knowledge of sequencing technologies, quality control, and emerging methods is valuable for this position.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.

Career growth

Research careers grow from junior researcher to senior scientist, principal, and lab or research director roles. Some people move into applied research and product work. Publication record or demonstrable impact drives progression, depending on the setting. Research careers reward a strong publication or delivery record. Applied research roles value impact on products as much as novelty.