Principal Scientist, Biology (Biologics)

Exelixis
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, California, Alameda
May 16, 2025
SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE: Exelixis Discovery Biotherapeutics is seeking an experienced, self-motivated Principal Scientist, Biology to provide in vitro pharmacology support for the advancement of antibody-based biologics, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). The successful candidate must have strong cancer biology background with excellent hands-on experience in conducting critical mechanism-of-action and proof-of-concept in vitro cancer pharmacology assays in support of our biologics/ADC pipeline. Knowledge and experience in immunology is a plus. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Functional lead on assay strategy, design, and execution of mechanism-of-action and proof-of-concept in vitro pharmacology assays. This is a laboratory-based position. Subject matter expert contributing significantly to biologics/ADC projects, from concept, discovery, lead selection to IND. May lead one or more internal programs from discovery to development candidate nomination. Interacts and collaborates with internal departments and external CROs to deliver quality and timely findings in support of drug candidate advancement. Effective and timely communication of scientific concepts, findings, and interpretation to multi-disciplinary teams. Contribute to target selection/nomination, research workplans and IND filings. Critical scientific/technical data analysis, interpretation of experiments and report writing. Follows company intellectual property and compliance policies and practices. Complies with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise staff, including hiring, scheduling, and assigning work, reviewing performance, and recommends salary increases, promotions, transfers, demotions, or terminations. Directing work to a CRO, Consultant, or third party as necessary. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Education: Bachelor's degree in pharmacology or cancer biology or closely related discipline and a minimum of eleven (11) years of related experience; or, Master's degree in pharmacology or cancer biology or closely related discipline and a minimum of nine (9) years of related experience; or, PhD degree in pharmacology or cancer biology or closely related discipline and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience is preferred; or, Equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience: Strong scientific understanding of cancer pharmacology concepts and hands-on laboratory experience in the execution of in vitro experimentation is essential. Previous experience working with antibody-based therapeutics is a must. Knowledge of translational biology is a plus. 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 organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Knowledge in using oncology-based in vitro systems for drug discovery is a must. Must be skillful in mammalian cell culture and related techniques. Must have hands-on experience working with primary immune cells. Strong knowledge in flow cytometry is a must, imaging technologies (e.g. confocal microscopy) and IHC are highly desired. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. A strong team player. Must be able to work in a matrix organization. Advanced knowledge in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, and GraphPad prism. Good tracking record and report writing. JOB COMPLEXITY: WORKING CONDITIONS: Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in office Exposures encountered, such as hazardous materials, and extreme cold. Travel required (up to 10%) 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. #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 severalU.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $131,000 - $186,000 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.