Research Associate, Comparative Medicine

Atrium; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 45,460 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences organization in Boston seeks a compassionate individual for laboratory animal research. The ideal candidate will perform in vivo studies, handle laboratory rodents, and monitor their well-being. Collaboration with research scientists is key. A Bachelor's degree in biological science is required, along with 1-2 years of experience in a similar setting and strong communication skills. Flexibility for weekend shifts is essential. Competitive pay rate of $33-$35/hr is offered.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory animal research setting preferred.
• Proficiency with basic laboratory rodent techniques, anatomy, and behavior is essential.
• AALAS technical certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform dosing and blood sampling in laboratory rodents.
• Conduct surgical preparation and provide post-operative care.
• Monitor the health and behavior of laboratory rodents.
• Ensure compliance with facility guidelines and documentation practices.
• Assist in maintaining vivarium inspection readiness.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Creativity

Technical skills with laboratory rodents

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological science

Tools

Data acquisition software

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

The Comparative Medicine team is seeking an energetic, compassionate, and results-oriented individual. The ideal candidate should have a passion for learning, strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a sense of creativity and a strong set of technical skills with laboratory rodents. This individual will be required to perform in vivo studies to advance Vertex research and development programs supporting small molecule therapeutics, gene therapy, and cellular therapy, as well as monitor the health and well‑being of laboratory rodents in a 27,000 sq. ft. AAALAC-accredited vivarium.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Independently perform dosing via standard routes of administration in laboratory rodents (IV, IP, PO, SC, IM), blood sampling via standard routes of blood collection in laboratory rodents, anesthesia, euthanasia, tissue harvest, and data recording; collect and process other samples under the direction of a veterinarian or senior research associate
• Under minimal direction, perform surgical preparation and provide post-operative care and monitoring of laboratory rodents
• The incumbent may perform the above duties alongside research scientists; must be prepared to work collaboratively and be flexible, depending on the timelines, readouts, and specific circumstances of a given animal study
• Independently perform data acquisition & entry, provide study directors with proper documentation of any protocol deviations; execute studies using good documentation practices and adherence to all facility guidelines, policies, and SOPs
• Monitor the health and behavior of laboratory rodents and assist with the administration of veterinary treatments
• Assist in the oversight of procedure room spaces within the vivarium, maintaining inspection readiness and ensuring study supplies are adequately stocked and spaces are prepared for upcoming and ongoing study work
• Support rotating weekend, holiday, and/or overtime coverage; may require flexible shifts to accommodate operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in a biological science.

Experience

1-2 years of experience in a laboratory animal research setting preferred. Proficiency with basic laboratory rodent techniques, anatomy, and behavior is essential.

Certification/Licensure

AALAS technical certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG) preferred.

Other

A proven track record of collaborative work practices and strong oral and written communication skills, a familiarity with various types of data acquisition and protocol management software, as well as Microsoft Office applications, is strongly desired

Pay Range

33/hr. - 35/hr.

Shift/Hours

Monday - Friday. Weekend availability and flexibility required.