Principal Scientist, Target Discovery & Portfolio Strategy

Xaira Therapeutics seeks a Principal Scientist in immunology to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets using AI-enabled platforms, human genetics, and multi-omics data. The role combines target discovery strategy with portfolio development, requiring translation of scientific evidence into actionable recommendations for drug development programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate disease areas assessing unmet medical needs and treatment limitations
• Prioritize therapeutic targets by integrating human genetics, functional genomics, and patient data
• Evaluate platform fit with internal molecular design and protein engineering teams
• Develop target assessments covering disease rationale, competition, differentiation, and risk factors
• Track emerging science and competitive landscape to inform portfolio priorities

Requirements

• PhD in immunology or related field with 6+ years industry drug discovery experience
• Proficiency with human genetics, genome-scale multi-omics datasets, and translational data analysis
• Strong scientific judgment to evaluate therapeutic hypotheses and distinguish genuine opportunities
• Clear communication and cross-functional leadership capabilities
• Intellectual curiosity, independence, and willingness to revise positions based on evolving evidence

Compensation: $164,000-$205,000 base salary annually