Research Associate, Functional & Biological Assays

Terrestrial Bio, Inc.; Woburn, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrestrial Bio, Inc. in Woburn, MA is seeking a Research Associate to join the Analytical Method Development and QC team. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and executing functional and biological assays to evaluate activity and potency of our products.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with mammalian cell lines, strong problem-solving skills, and can guide experiments from design through data interpretation in a fast-paced, onsite lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Biotechnology.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell lines required.
• Experience with functional, biological, or cell-based assays.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based functional and biological assays.
• Maintain and work routinely with mammalian cell lines and perform workflows.
• Design and execute experiments with proper controls and replicates.
• Analyze data using appropriate statistics and assess assay performance.
• Troubleshoot assays and improve assay robustness and reproducibility.
• Maintain records and prepare data summaries and technical reports.
• Communicate results within cross-functional teams.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assays

Experimental design

Data interpretation

Troubleshooting experiments

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

HPLC

Job description

Terrestrial is building a team of exceptional people to rapidly advance products to patients. We work closely as a team and thrive in a dynamic, exciting, and engaging 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.

Please note: We have been made aware that individuals unaffiliated with Terrestrial have posed as hiring managers to solicit personal information. Terrestrial does not conduct any recruiting through online chat services or message boards. Terrestrial does not request any personal financial information before an on-site interview. Please use care and discretion when receiving any solicitations that do not originate from the @terrestrialbio.com domain.

Research Associate, Functional & Biological Assays

Location

Woburn, MA

Address

30 Cummings Park Dr, Woburn, MA, 01801

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Analytical Sciences

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

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.

Note to agencies: Terrestrial Bio values our partnerships with recruiting firms and will only work with those who have an established relationship and a signed contract. Authorization to work on a role and/or submit resumes will come only from HR/TA.Any resume submitted by an agency without a signed agreement will automatically become the property ofTerrestrial Bio with no obligation for associated fees. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes or bound by any conversations with employees outside of HR/TA.

Join a Team on
the Forefront of Biomedical Innovation.

“Working at Terrestrial was unlike any other research experience I’ve had so far. Not only was I a part of cutting edge research, but I felt like the work I was doing contributed to their goals.”