Scientist, Preclinical

Terrestrial Bio, Inc.; Walnut Hill (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrestrial Bio, Inc. is seeking a PhD-level scientist to own the scientific side of preclinical studies. You will design in vivo/ex vivo studies, analyze data, and report implications.

Collaborate with the in vivo team and study manager, and compile summaries to guide decisions across stakeholders. Responsibilities include skin characterization, variability analysis, noncompartmental PK, and writing study reports for regulatory sections.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Industry experience preferred; postdoctoral experience considered.
• Experience with noncompartmental PK and variability analysis.

Responsibilities

• Author in vivo and ex vivo study designs and protocols with endpoints and sampling plans.
• Lead design and analysis of skin property studies.
• Quantify animal-to-animal and study-to-study variability and recommend design changes.
• Perform PK and statistical analysis and present findings to the program team.
• Write study reports and contribute to regulatory sections.
• Provide scientific oversight to ensure study alignment with design.
• Bridge preclinical data with Formulation, Device Engineering, and Analysis teams.

Skills

In vivo study design

Statistical analysis

Noncompartmental PK analysis

Tissue mechanics testing

Scientific writing

Data interpretation

R

Python

IND‑enabling experience

Communication

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Pharmacology

Tools

Phoenix WinNonlin

R

Python

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.

Why this role

You will own the scientific side of our preclinical studies: designing them, analyzing the data, and reporting what it means. You will work with our in vivo team and study manager on execution, and with stakeholders across the company on the questions the data needs to answer. You will compile data summaries to discern longitudinal trends and present them to the stakeholders to enrich our understanding of the models we rely on.

What you’ll do

• Study Design: Author in vivo and ex vivo study designs and protocols, defining endpoints, group sizes, sampling schedules, and analysis plans.
• Skin Characterization: Lead the design and analysis of skin property studies.
• Variability Analysis: Quantify animal-to-animal and study-to-study variability, identify where it comes from, and recommend design changes that reduce it.
• PK & Statistical Analysis: Perform noncompartmental PK analysis and statistical analysis of study data, and present findings to the program team.
• Study Reports: Write study reports and technical summaries, and contribute to the nonclinical sections of regulatory documents.
• Scientific Oversight: Provide scientific oversight of studies in progress, working with the in vivo team and study manager to keep execution aligned with the design.
• Cross-Functional Support: Bring preclinical data and interpretation to Formulation, Device Engineering, and Analytical, and contribute to broader company efforts as priorities require.

Who you are

• Education & Experience: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience. Industry experience is preferred; postdoctoral experience will be considered.
• Quantitative Analysis: Demonstrated experience with noncompartmental PK analysis and statistical analysis of biological variability.
• Study Design: Experience designing in vivo studies, including endpoint selection and determining group sizes.
• Tissue Characterization: Hands‑on experience with tissue mechanical testing, ex vivo tissue models, or related characterization methods.
• Scientific Writing: A record of clear technical writing, such as study reports, publications.
• Preferred Skills: Programming in R or Python, Phoenix WinNonlin, experience with transdermal, intradermal, or microneedle delivery, and exposure to IND‑enabling work.
• Communication: Ability to present data and recommendations clearly to both scientific and non‑scientific audiences.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000. 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