Research Associate Co-Op, Osteoimmunology

Keros Therapeutics; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Keros Therapeutics, a public, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a Co-Op Research Associate to join our preclinical research team. You'll contribute to studies in muscle biology, bone, and immunology using in vitro, ex vivo techniques and in vivo procedures in a fast-paced lab.

This role offers hands-on mentorship, collaboration across project teams, and exposure to discovery-to-patient care work at the forefront of TGF-β signaling research.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in a life sciences field.
• Proficiency in cell culture and sterile technique.
• Knowledge of molecular biology methods (RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA).
• Experience with antibody staining and flow cytometry or willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro and ex vivo laboratory research including cell culture and RNA isolation.
• Execute assays (Western blot, ELISA) to assess protein expression.
• Conduct antibody staining and flow cytometry on bone marrow and other cells.
• Maintain accurate records and summarize results in reports.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams and present data.
• Troubleshoot experiments and follow safety protocols.
• Uphold laboratory standards and scientific rigor.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Flow cytometry

qRT-PCR

RNA isolation

Western blot

ELISA

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student in biology-related field

Tools

MS Office

GraphPad Prism

Job description

At Keros, our mission is to deliver significant clinical benefit to a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins. With a focus on developing differentiated product candidates that are designed to alter TGF-β signaling, we aim to target the pathways critical for the growth, repair and maintenance of blood cells and a number of tissues, including bone, skeletal muscle, adipose and heart tissue. We believe our product candidates have the potential to unlock the full therapeutic benefits of modulating the TGF-β superfamily and provide disease-modifying benefit to patients.

Job Summary

Keros Therapeutics, a public, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a passionate and motivated Co-Op Research Associate to join our preclinical research team. Keros is a leader in developing novel therapies targeting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family signaling pathways, which regulate blood, muscle, and bone health. The successful candidate for this Co-Op Research Associate position will actively contribute to impactful preclinical research and scientific studies in muscle biology, bone, and immunology to help advance our innovative pipeline. This position offers immersive, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art in vitro, ex vivo techniques and in vivo procedures in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory setting. This co-op provides comprehensive scientific mentorship and training, engagement with multidisciplinary project teams, and the opportunity to gain broad exposure to pioneering research at the intersection of discovery and patient care.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro and ex vivo laboratory research, including cell culture, RNA isolation, and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR.
• Execute in vitro assays (e.g., Western blot, ELISA) to assess protein expression and therapeutic activity.
• Conduct antibody staining and flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow stem cells and other cell types.
• Maintain clear, accurate experimental records and summarize results in study reports.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings, providing updates and presenting data.
• Troubleshoot experiments and propose solutions based on literature and team discussions.
• Uphold laboratory safety protocols and Keros Therapeutics’ standards for scientific rigor and documentation.

Core Competencies (Required Skills)

• Proficiency in cell culture and sterile technique.
• Familiarity with molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA).
• Ability to perform antibody staining and flow cytometry, or strong willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of summarizing and presenting scientific data.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, with a high degree of honesty, integrity, and scientific curiosity.
• Team player, open to feedback, and willing to collaborate across various departments.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting.
• Interest in stem cell, bone, or muscle biology.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation software (MS Office, GraphPad Prism, etc.).
• Previous exposure to drug discovery or biopharmaceutical research.

Education Requirements

• Current undergraduate or graduate student majoring in animal science, biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field.

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, and other relevant factors.

Potential base pay range

$28—$32 USD

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission Statement:

Keros is an inclusive company. We believe that diversity drives innovation. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. As such, Keros takes a holistic approach in mentoring, coaching, and developing all of our Keros team members.

Keros Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Recruitment & Staffing Agencies:

Keros Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than the candidate directly. Any unsolicited submission by an agency to Keros is prohibited. Any resume submitted by an agency without a signed contract or expressed consent by a member of the Keros Therapeutics Human Resources Department, will be considered property of Keros Therapeutics, and no fee shall be owed with respect thereto.