Research Associate, Functional & Biological Assays

Terrestrial Bio, Inc.; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrestrial Bio, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate to join the Analytical Method Development and Quality Control team in Woburn, MA.

The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and executing functional and biological assays to evaluate activity and potency of products for self-administration The ideal candidate will have hands-on mammalian cell line experience and a track record of delivering experiments from design through data analysis, with strong documentation and collaboration in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 1-2 years of relevant experience in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Heads-on experience with mammalian cell lines is required.
• Experience with functional, biological, or cell-based assays.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, controls, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and manage priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate scientific documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based functional and biological assays.
• Maintain and work routinely with mammalian cell lines and perform cell-base experimental workflows.
• Design and execute experiments with appropriate controls, replicates, and statistical considerations.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods, identify trends, and assess assay performance.
• Troubleshoot assays and contribute to improving assay robustness, reproducibility, and efficiency.
• Support analytical method development, qualification, and QC testing as projects progress.
• Maintain clear and accurate laboratory records and prepare data summaries and technical reports.
• Communicate results and scientific conclusions effectively within a cross-functional team.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assays

Experimental design & statistics

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field

Master's degree with 1-2 years relevant experience

Tools

HPLC

GLP/GMP experience

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.

About the Role

We are looking for a Research Associate to join our Analytical Method Development and Quality Control team. This is a hands-on role focused on developing, optimizing, and executing functional and biological assays to evaluate the activity and potency of our products.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell lines, enjoys solving experimental problems, and is comfortable taking an experiment from design through execution, data analysis, and interpretation.

What You'll Do

• Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based functional and biological assays.

• Maintain and work routinely with mammalian cell lines and perform cell-base experimental workflows.

• Design and execute experiments with appropriate controls, replicates, and statistical

  considerations.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods, identify

  trends, and assess assay performance.

• Troubleshoot assays and contribute to improving assay robustness, reproducibility, and

  efficiency.

• Support analytical method development, qualification, and QC testing as projects progress.

• Maintain clear and accurate laboratory records and prepare data summaries and technical

  reports.

• Communicate results and scientific conclusions effectively within a cross-functional team.

Who You are

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 1-2 years of relevant experience, in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell lines is required.

• Experience with functional, biological, or cell-based assays.

• Strong understanding of experimental design, controls, data analysis, and interpretation.

• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and manage priorities in a fast-

  paced laboratory environment.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate scientific documentation.

Nice to Have

• Experience with analytical method development or method qualification.

• Experience with HPLC or other analytical techniques.

• Experience working in a GLP/GMP or Quality Control environment.

• Experience with assays such as ELISA or other quantitative biological assays.

Compensation:

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000. 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.