Staff Scientist, Xilis BV
Utrecht
Netherlands /
Full-Time /
On-site
Xilis is an innovation-driven biotech company developing its proprietary MicroOrganoSphere (“MOS”) Technology for functional precision oncology. Xilis’ MOS Technology enables rapid and scalable generation of patient tumor models that retain patient-specific tumor biology and tumor microenvironment, representing one of the most translationally relevant ex vivo technologies for precision oncology drug discovery and development. The headquarters, Xilis, Inc., is located in Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, and the subsidiary Xilis B.V. is located in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Xilis is building a functional precision medicine platform that incorporates scaled multi-modal profiling of therapeutic activity and AI/ML-enabled analytics to catalyze functional precision medicine drug discovery, development, and diagnostics. Collectively, Xilis aims to harness its MOS Platform to enable the development of the most effective therapeutics and guide them to the right patients at the right time.
About the role
Xilis BV, the Dutch subsidiary of Xilis Inc., is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Staff Scientist to join our dynamic team. In this key role, you will lead the development and advancement of Xilis’ core primary tumor model assays, with a focus on primary breast cancer models. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of 3–6 scientists and research associates at Xilis BV, ensuring scientific excellence and alignment with corporate goals and timelines.We are looking for a candidate with deep expertise in cancer biology and 3D in vitro tumor models, preferably with a background in immuno-oncology. This is a hands-on position requiring exceptional laboratory skills, leadership ability, and a track record of independently executing complex experiments. You are required to bring a strong motivation, work ethic, and excellent communication skills in order to be successful in this fast paced and dynamic environment.You will report directly to Xilis’ Scientific Lead and contribute significantly to our mission of transforming personalized cancer treatment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, execution, and analysis of complex cell-based assays to advance internal assay development and support external partnerships.
- Oversee model development processes, including patient sample acquisition and primary tumor model generation, characterization, and in vitro testing.
- Manage and mentor a team of scientists and research associates, providing technical guidance and ensuring alignment of work with company goals, and enabling growth opportunities
- Plan and coordinate multiple concurrent projects while maintaining high scientific standards and timelines.
- Contribute to SOP development, support laboratory operations, and identify, mitigate and resolve any blockers preventing the scientific team from delivering on their goals
- Collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment.
Responsibilities
- Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in oncology or immunology, preferably in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting.
- Proven experience leading scientific teams and delivering results in patient-derived tumor models.
- Extensive hands-on experience with human primary tumor samples and 3D culture systems; experience in flow cytometry and imaging is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and execute complex experimental workflows.
- Strong commitment to lab-based research with a hands-on approach to experimentation.
- Exceptional communication, organizational, analytical and leadership skills.
- Comfortable working in a high-growth, collaborative startup environment with flexibility in tasks and responsibilities.
Xilis was created when its three founders — an engineer, a physician, and a biologist — decided to come together and commercialize their technology to transform cancer care. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Furthermore, even if your work experience isn't perfectly aligned with what we've described above, if you're excited about what we're building then we want to talk to you!
