Research Associate, AD/QC - Fluidic Properties

Terrestrial Bio; Walnut Hill (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrestrial Bio, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate to join the QC team in a fast-paced lab environment.

You will perform routine and non-routine fluidic property testing for formulation development, process characterization, and QC release of MAP programs. The role requires hands-on instrument operation for viscosity, surface tension, UV-Vis, and pH measurements, with strong data integrity and cross-functional collaboration across R&D and Manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biophysics, or related field with 1–3 years lab experience; or Master’s with relevant research experience.
• Hands-on experience operating lab instrumentation for viscosity, surface tension, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and pH measurements.
• Fundamental understanding of physical chemistry, solution rheology, and fluid behaviors.
• Experience in cGMP, GLP, or other regulated quality laboratory environments.
• Strong attention to detail, data integrity practices, and precise documentation skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced lab.
• Strong verbal and written communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine physical characterization of liquids using viscometry, surface tension/contact angle, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and pH.
• Prepare reagents, calibration standards, and samples per SOPs and analytical protocols.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation with calibration/service records.
• Execute UV-Vis assays for concentration, purity, and spectral profiling.
• Analyze data to ensure precision, reproducibility and adherence to specs.
• Document results and maintain audit-ready records per cGMP and ALCOA+ data integrity.
• Support method qualification, validation, and protocol execution for fluidic testing.
• Author and review SOPs, test methods, and technical summaries.
• Collaborate across Analytical Development, Formulation Development, Process Engineering, and QC to meet timelines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data integrity practices

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

Viscosity meters

Surface tension meters

pH meters

UV-Vis spectrophotometer

Job description

About Terrestrial Bio, Inc.

Terrestrial is transforming the delivery of next-generation therapies, starting with GLP-1.

Terrestrial's proprietary Tacterra™ microarray patch (MAP) and applicator platform consists of a patch resembling an adhesive bandage, which is applied with a preloaded applicator and removed after a few minutes. Once applied, each patch delivers bioactive tips into the skin, which dissolve quickly into the body, rapidly releasing their therapeutic payload. Designed for self‑administration, the temperature-stable Tacterra™ platform enables precise, controlled delivery of a wide range of therapeutics without medical sharps or refrigeration.

Terrestrial has generated strong clinical and in‑vivo proof of concept across multiple molecules. For more information, visit www.terrestrialbio.com.

Why this role

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Research Associate to join our QC team. In this role, you will execute routine and non‑routine fluidic property testing such as viscosity, surface tension, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and pH measurements to support formulation development, process characterization, and Quality Control (QC) release for our microneedle array patch (MAP) programs.

This individual will operate specialized analytical instrumentation, maintain cGMP-compliant laboratory records, and work cross-functionally across R&D and Manufacturing teams. This is a hands‑on role for a resourceful scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, cross‑disciplinary lab environment.

What you'll do

• Perform routine and non‑routine physical characterization of liquid drug substances, intermediates, and formulations using methods such as viscometry, surface tension/contact angle measurement, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and pH.

• Prepare reagents, calibration standards, and samples following precise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and analytical protocols.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot physical characterization instrumentation, maintaining detailed calibration and service records.

• Execute UV-Vis/spectrophotometric assays for concentration determination, purity and spectral profiling.

• Analyze and interpret analytical data to ensure precision, reproducibility, and compliance with internal specifications.

• Document test results and complete audit‑ready laboratory records following cGMP and ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

• Support analytical method qualification, validation, and protocol execution for fluidic property testing.

• Author and review SOPs, analytical test methods, and technical summary reports.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Analytical Development, Formulation Development, Process Engineering, and QC teams to meet program timelines.

Who you are

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biophysics, or a related scientific discipline with 1-3 years of hands‑on laboratory experience; or a Master’s degree with relevant laboratory research experience

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience operating laboratory instrumentation for viscosity (micro‑viscometer or rotational viscometer), surface tension/contact angle measurement, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and pH meters

• Fundamental understanding of physical chemistry, solution rheology, and fluid behaviors

• Experience operating within a cGMP, GLP, or other regulated quality laboratory environment

• Strong attention to detail, data integrity practices, and precise documentation skills

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple analytical workflows simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a commitment to collaborative teamwork

Compensation:

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Onsite expectations:

The majority of our roles at Terrestrial are onsite, which allows us to meet both business and team needs. Candidates applying must be willing to be onsite 4-5 days per week.

Location:

Woburn, MA and our new, custom facility in Allston MA planned for Q4 of 2026.

At Terrestrial, we're bringing together exceptional talent to drive our product development forward. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a dynamic work environment. We aim to recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or veteran status.