Associate Director, Translational Biology
Xencor, Inc., Pasadena, California, United States, 91122
Associate Director, Translational Biology
Xencor, Inc., 465 N. Halstead St., Pasadena, California, United States of America
Job Description Posted Friday, February 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Xencor is a public, clinical‑stage biopharmaceutical company located in the Los Angeles area (Pasadena) and in San Diego. Our focus is developing high‑potential XmAb® bispecific T‑cell engagers and additional engineered drug candidates that leverage our differentiated technology platforms, and we are advancing our pipeline toward clinical proof‑of‑concept decisions. Our goal is to create high‑impact therapeutics for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. More than 20 XmAb drug candidates engineered with our technology are in clinical development, and three XmAb medicines have been marketed by partners. For more information, please visit www.xencor.com. We have an excellent opportunity for a
Associate Director, Translational Biology
to join our team.
This position can be based out of our San Diego or Pasadena, CA sites and potentially fully remote
Summary Responsible for driving the biomarker strategy, companion diagnostic strategy and analysis in clinical biospecimens using Xencor bispecific therapeutics (T cell engagers, immunomodulatory therapeutics).
Primary Responsibilities
Leads development and execution of biomarker plans in the Xencor portfolio
Responsible for development of biomarker plans and clinical biomarker data analysis, interpretation, and presentation to internal and external stakeholders
Acts as an independent scientist responsible for coordinating the analysis of genomics/transcriptomics/immunobiological data for clinical studies
Partners with colleagues to drive understanding of the biology of Xencor drugs and maximize their safety and efficacy in patients
Provides ancillary support for clinical biomarkers includes program management assistance and expert internal bioinformatics, including a web‑based portal dashboard to analyze all clinical endpoints and biomarkers
Accountable for the oversight and quality of analysis of immunobiological data (flow cytometry/multiplex immunofluorescence/cytokines) for clinical samples and genomics/transcriptomics data for clinical samples
Plans, implements and manages biomarker projects with outside laboratories
Champions analysis of genomics/transcriptomics/proteomics for tumor biopsies and peripheral blood samples
Participates with preclinical projects that drive potential clinical translation including immunological/ genomic/transcriptomic analysis of cultured cells or tissues/blood from animal models
Leads contact on high dimensional data sets, e.g., proteomics/transcriptomics of clinical trials
Ensures that clinical biomarker data is scientifically rigorous and supports clinical development
Manages a shared bioinformatician with expertise in programming for high dimensional data sets, e.g., transcriptomics/genomics data; presents pre‑clinical data and the relevant literature at internal meetings
Manages a shared translational project manager that assists with communication and contracting with vendor analytic labs
Contributes to publications and presentations
Represents supported projects at scientific conferences
Leads interactions with investigators and cooperative groups
Adheres to all department and company‑wide policies regarding conduct, performance and procedures
Performs other duties as required.
Education/Experience/Skills Position requires an advanced Clinical/Science Degree such as PharmD or PhD, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Experience required includes with pre‑clinical/translational/clinical drug discovery and development and with CD3 engager or ADC in clinical development. Experience with companion diagnostic development is preferred.
Position also requires
Strong understanding of complex cellular signaling pathways.
Ability to analyze the relationship between proteomic data, flow cytometric data, immunohistochemistry data in the context of drug candidate administration, clinical response and safety events.
Knowledge on clinical biomarker analytical labs and CROs. Ability to provide clear, direct, and professional guidance and oversight with vendor analytic labs.
Ability to inspire confidence and team‑building with internal pre‑clinical and clinical teams.
Highly advanced oral, writing and presentations skills. Organized and able to set/meet deadlines.
Knowledge of international regulations pertinent to current clinical development (eg ICH, FDA, EMA). Understanding of immunobiology and eagerness to work with cutting‑edge clinical immunoncology data.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team of people with different backgrounds and seniority levels.
Ability to effectively manage others through coaching and supervision, in accordance with company policies and practices.
Ability to demonstrate competencies applicable for job based on Xencor’s Leadership Competency Model.
Ensures employee performance meets the organization’s expectations for conduct, productivity, quality, continuous improvement, and goal accomplishment.
Occasional travel may be required, including travel between Xencor’s Pasadena and San Diego offices. Work for this position is generally performed at Xencor’s worksite and requires full‑time commitment.
Expected Base Salary Range: $172,600 to $200,000
The actual salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including skills, competencies, education and experience. Xencor offers a competitive total rewards package including 401k match, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. In addition, this position will be eligible for an annual bonus and equity grant. For more information, please see https://xencor.com/careers/.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement The Company will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact HR@xencor.com.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Xencor does not accept profiles or resumes from recruiting vendors without a binding written agreement. Any unsolicited submission of services and or resumes in no way creates an obligation or duty by Xencor, implied or otherwise.
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Job Description Posted Friday, February 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Xencor is a public, clinical‑stage biopharmaceutical company located in the Los Angeles area (Pasadena) and in San Diego. Our focus is developing high‑potential XmAb® bispecific T‑cell engagers and additional engineered drug candidates that leverage our differentiated technology platforms, and we are advancing our pipeline toward clinical proof‑of‑concept decisions. Our goal is to create high‑impact therapeutics for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. More than 20 XmAb drug candidates engineered with our technology are in clinical development, and three XmAb medicines have been marketed by partners. For more information, please visit www.xencor.com. We have an excellent opportunity for a
Associate Director, Translational Biology
to join our team.
This position can be based out of our San Diego or Pasadena, CA sites and potentially fully remote
Summary Responsible for driving the biomarker strategy, companion diagnostic strategy and analysis in clinical biospecimens using Xencor bispecific therapeutics (T cell engagers, immunomodulatory therapeutics).
Primary Responsibilities
Leads development and execution of biomarker plans in the Xencor portfolio
Responsible for development of biomarker plans and clinical biomarker data analysis, interpretation, and presentation to internal and external stakeholders
Acts as an independent scientist responsible for coordinating the analysis of genomics/transcriptomics/immunobiological data for clinical studies
Partners with colleagues to drive understanding of the biology of Xencor drugs and maximize their safety and efficacy in patients
Provides ancillary support for clinical biomarkers includes program management assistance and expert internal bioinformatics, including a web‑based portal dashboard to analyze all clinical endpoints and biomarkers
Accountable for the oversight and quality of analysis of immunobiological data (flow cytometry/multiplex immunofluorescence/cytokines) for clinical samples and genomics/transcriptomics data for clinical samples
Plans, implements and manages biomarker projects with outside laboratories
Champions analysis of genomics/transcriptomics/proteomics for tumor biopsies and peripheral blood samples
Participates with preclinical projects that drive potential clinical translation including immunological/ genomic/transcriptomic analysis of cultured cells or tissues/blood from animal models
Leads contact on high dimensional data sets, e.g., proteomics/transcriptomics of clinical trials
Ensures that clinical biomarker data is scientifically rigorous and supports clinical development
Manages a shared bioinformatician with expertise in programming for high dimensional data sets, e.g., transcriptomics/genomics data; presents pre‑clinical data and the relevant literature at internal meetings
Manages a shared translational project manager that assists with communication and contracting with vendor analytic labs
Contributes to publications and presentations
Represents supported projects at scientific conferences
Leads interactions with investigators and cooperative groups
Adheres to all department and company‑wide policies regarding conduct, performance and procedures
Performs other duties as required.
Education/Experience/Skills Position requires an advanced Clinical/Science Degree such as PharmD or PhD, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Experience required includes with pre‑clinical/translational/clinical drug discovery and development and with CD3 engager or ADC in clinical development. Experience with companion diagnostic development is preferred.
Position also requires
Strong understanding of complex cellular signaling pathways.
Ability to analyze the relationship between proteomic data, flow cytometric data, immunohistochemistry data in the context of drug candidate administration, clinical response and safety events.
Knowledge on clinical biomarker analytical labs and CROs. Ability to provide clear, direct, and professional guidance and oversight with vendor analytic labs.
Ability to inspire confidence and team‑building with internal pre‑clinical and clinical teams.
Highly advanced oral, writing and presentations skills. Organized and able to set/meet deadlines.
Knowledge of international regulations pertinent to current clinical development (eg ICH, FDA, EMA). Understanding of immunobiology and eagerness to work with cutting‑edge clinical immunoncology data.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team of people with different backgrounds and seniority levels.
Ability to effectively manage others through coaching and supervision, in accordance with company policies and practices.
Ability to demonstrate competencies applicable for job based on Xencor’s Leadership Competency Model.
Ensures employee performance meets the organization’s expectations for conduct, productivity, quality, continuous improvement, and goal accomplishment.
Occasional travel may be required, including travel between Xencor’s Pasadena and San Diego offices. Work for this position is generally performed at Xencor’s worksite and requires full‑time commitment.
Expected Base Salary Range: $172,600 to $200,000
The actual salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including skills, competencies, education and experience. Xencor offers a competitive total rewards package including 401k match, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. In addition, this position will be eligible for an annual bonus and equity grant. For more information, please see https://xencor.com/careers/.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement The Company will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact HR@xencor.com.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Xencor does not accept profiles or resumes from recruiting vendors without a binding written agreement. Any unsolicited submission of services and or resumes in no way creates an obligation or duty by Xencor, implied or otherwise.
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