Principal Scientist, Functional Genomics

About Xaira Therapeutics Xaira is an innovative biotech startup focused on leveraging AI to transform drug discovery and development. The company is leading the development of generative AI models to design protein and antibody therapeutics, enabling the creation of medicines against historically hard-to-drug molecular targets. It is also developing foundation models for biology and disease to enable better target elucidation and patient stratification. Collectively, these technologies aim to continually enable the identification of novel therapies and to improve success in drug development. Xaira is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and London. About the Role Xaira is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist to join our Functional Genomics team with a focus on high-throughput perturbation platforms and single-cell genomics technologies. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in CRISPR-based screening approaches, perturb-seq, and large-scale functional genomics workflows, with experience generating high-quality datasets to support both therapeutic discovery and AI/ML modeling initiatives. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge efforts at the intersection of functional genomics, machine learning, and disease biology. You will work closely with AI/ML scientists, computational biologists, automation engineers, and disease biology teams to develop scalable perturbation workflows, implement new technologies, and drive high-quality data generation and experimental innovation across multiple therapeutic areas. Key Responsibilities Lead high-throughput perturbation and functional genomics efforts supporting therapeutic discovery and AI/ML-driven research initiatives Develop and implement advanced functional genomics technologies, including perturb-seq, CRISPRi/a, and single-cell omics workflows across complex cellular systems such as primary cells, differentiated cell types, and in vivo models Design, optimize, and scale screening workflows to improve throughput, reproducibility, data quality, and experimental robustness Collaborate closely with AI/ML scientists, computational biologists, automation engineers, and disease biology teams to integrate large-scale perturbation datasets into predictive modeling frameworks Contribute to scientific strategy, experimental design, protocol development, and prioritization across multiple programs and platform initiatives Present scientific findings and contribute to publications, patents, and scientific presentations while mentoring and providing scientific guidance to researchers within the organization Qualifications Ph.D. in Immunology, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry and/or applied research experience Deep expertise in CRISPR-based screening approaches, perturb-seq, and single-cell RNA sequencing technologies, with a strong track record developing and scaling high-throughput functional genomics platforms Experience generating, analyzing, and interpreting large-scale perturbation datasets across complex cellular systems including primary cells, differentiated models, and organoid systems Familiarity with AI/ML applications in functional genomics and experience collaborating closely with computational and data science teams Demonstrated ability to independently lead scientific initiatives, drive cross-functional collaboration, and mentor scientists within multidisciplinary research environments Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, highly collaborative environments focused on scientific innovation Compensation We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, seeking to provide an open, flexible, and friendly work environment to empower employees and provide them with a platform to develop their long-term careers. A Summary of Benefits is availab