Research Associate II

eTeam; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 66,124 - 71,635; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Cambridge, MA seeks a Research Associate II for a 12-month contractor position to prepare pre‑clinical drug formulations for in vivo studies. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or pharmaceutical science and 5+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 3+ years. Responsibilities include preparing formulations, conducting experiments, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and an understanding of formulation science.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in formulating small molecule APIs or a Master's degree with 3+ years.
• Broad knowledge of acceptable excipients and equipment widely used in pre‑clinical formulation.
• Strong understanding of pre‑clinical formulation science.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and optimize pre‑clinical drug formulations.
• Conduct stability checks and prepare dosing solutions.
• Record experiments accurately in an e‑notebook.
• Collaborate with project teams for formulation strategies.

Skills

Analytical instrumentation (HPLC)

Solid/suspension formulations

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or pharmaceutical science

Tools

Mass Spec

Pre‑clinical formulation preparation

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate II

Location: Cambridge, MA (onsite)

Duration: 12 months

Pay Range: $48 to $52/hr

Department & Function

Global Chemistry – Discovery Formulations

Objective

We are seeking to fill a contractor position reporting to the Global Chemistry organization in Cambridge, MA to prepare formulated API for in vivo PK, pharmacology, and safety studies. This role involves collaboration with a wide range of cross‑functional research project teams, external CRO collaborators, and client Pharm Sci colleagues to develop project‑specific formulation strategies for in vivo studies (PK, efficacy, tox), enabling rapid advancement of compounds from PE through CN and CS.

Accountabilities

• Prepares and optimizes pre‑clinical drug formulations using appropriate technology and scientific principles for in vivo PK, pharmacology, and safety studies.
• Conducts limited screening of known excipients, pH adjustment, etc., and chemical/physical stability checks for program compounds. Prepares cassette dosing solutions for PK screening.
• Conducts experiments and analyzes/shares data to support project progression using analytical instrumentation (HPLC, Mass Spec) to assess formulation and chemical stability.
• Accurately records formulation experiments/protocols in an e‑notebook.
• Prepares/shares formulation protocols, technical reports, presentations, and regulatory documents as necessary.
• Adherence to lab safety and quality protocols:
  • Ensures formulations meet IUCUC guidelines and industry standards in coordination with in vivo study director.
  • Understands and implements good laboratory practices, particularly in handling pre‑clinical pharmaceutical small molecule API for neuroscience, immunology, and oncology indications.
• Collaborates with a Global Chemistry manager, cross‑functional research project teams, CROs, the Comparative Medicine group, and Pharmaceutical Science colleagues to provide project‑specific formulations and formulation strategies for in vivo studies (PK, efficacy, tox).
• Continuous review and learning of formulation science through literature and active engagement with client Pharm Sci group and CROs to guide project formulation strategy.
• Exemplary organizational skills required, as the role requires receiving, managing, and delivering on requests from a wide range of groups and teams across the Research organization, often under tight timelines.

Scope of Supervision

Supervised Number of Employees: Direct, Indirect Managers/Supervisors – Global Chemistry, Comparative Medicine and Pharm Sci.

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or pharmaceutical science, or equivalent with 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree with 3+ years of experience in formulating small molecule APIs.
• Broad knowledge of acceptable excipients and equipment/instruments widely used in pre‑clinical formulation preparation.
• Demonstrates technical knowledge of formulations and pharmaceutics of small molecule APIs, including:
  • Solubilizing/solution formulations.
  • Solid/suspension formulations.
• Well‑versed in analytical instrumentation (HPLC, Mass Spec) to assess:
  • Formulation stability (physical).
  • Chemical stability.
• A good understanding of pre‑clinical formulation science.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork.

Employment Type: Contract