Scientist - R&D (complex in vitro models)

Javelin Biotech; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Stock options

401(k) match

Job summary

Javelin Biotech in Massachusetts seeks an early-career Scientist - R&D to advance complex in vitro models for drug discovery. You will design 3D tissue constructs, perform advanced imaging, and develop assays in a collaborative setting.

The role emphasizes primary human cell work (liver/kidney/gut), qPCR, ELISA, IHC, and data analysis. You will contribute to model expansion, manuscript preparation, and cross-functional mentorship in a fast-paced team.

Qualifications

• PhD in Cellular or Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field, with 1–3 years of relevant experience.
• Outstanding laboratory technique: primary human cell culture; microscopy and gene/protein expression analysis.
• Strong experience with primary human CIVM (liver, kidney, gut) including 3D cultures and organ-on-chip.
• Advanced imaging expertise and proficiency with image analysis software (FIJI/CellProfiler/Imaris).
• Familiarity with ADME/Tox assays, drug metabolism, or nephro/hepatotoxic screening.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to document work precisely and follow complex instructions.
• Strong data analysis and statistical skills (e.g., Prism, R).
• Able to work well under direction and independently to meet milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment and mentor others.
• Available to start within 4–6 weeks.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate complex 3D in vitro models using biomaterials and scaffold.
• Conduct experiments using primary human tissue culture, microscopy, and biochemical/immuno-based assays.
• Develop and apply immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry protocols and execute advanced imaging workflows.
• Quantify endpoints using image analysis pipelines and interpret data for the project team.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and mentor team members in specialized protocols.
• Stay current with CIVM advancements and contribute to new approaches and grant/proposal writing.

Skills

Strong data analysis

Excellent communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in Cellular or Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Confocal microscope

Imaging software (FIJI/CellProfiler/Imaris)

Job description

Scientist - R&D (complex in vitro models)

Position Overview: The Javelin Biotech R&D team is seeking a talented and motivated individual with experience in cell biology and Complex In Vitro Models (CIVM). The R&D team is responsible for developing tissue models which recapitulate the phenotypic and molecular functions that are important to drug discovery and development. This role is for an early-career scientist with a passion for advancing and characterizing primary human tissue models using cutting-edge biomaterials, advanced imaging techniques, and establishing assays for tissue function and application-specific requirements. Expertise in primary human cells (emphasis on liver, kidney, and/or gastrointestinal tissue biology) and molecular biology techniques, including quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), ELISA/immuno-assays, and immunohistochemistry, are integral to this position.The successful candidate will apply their scientific experience towards expanding our in vitro modeling capabilities for new pharmacological applications.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and validate complex 3D in vitro models using biomaterials and scaffold, including normal and diseased tissue, using Javelin’s tissue chip platform

Conduct experiments using cell biology and bioengineering tools (primary human tissue culture, microscopy, biochemical/immuno-based assays, qPCR)

Develop and apply immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining protocols optimized for complex 3D constructs and execute advanced imaging workflows including confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, and high-content imaging to characterize tissue models in 2D and 3D

Quantify morphological and phenotypic endpoints using image analysis pipelines (e.g., CellProfiler, FIJI/ImageJ, Imaris). Independently design and execute studies, analyze and interpret data, and present findings back to the project team

Collaborate and communicate data clearly and concisely within a multidisciplinary team, including tissue engineering, hardware engineering, computational biology, and product development

Stay current with the latest advancements in CIVM and contribute to the development of innovative approaches and contexts-of-use

Assist in writing and preparation of grant proposals, manuscripts, and reports and participate in professional activities related to research

Provide mentorship and training for team members in specialized protocols and equipment use. Contribute critical scientific input to experiment designs.

Qualifications

PhD degree in Cellular or Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 1-3 years of relevant experience. Appointment level will depend on skill set and years of experience.

Outstanding laboratory technique: primary human cell culture; microscopy (phase contrast, fluorescence, and confocal), protein and gene expression analysis, immuno-, biochemical & bioanalytical assays

Strong experience with primary human complex in vitro models (liver, kidney, gut) including microphysiological systems, biomaterials, iPSCs, 3D cultures, spheroids, and organ-on-chip; experience with extracellular matrix biology, immune components and disease models is a strong plus

Advanced microscopy and imaging expertise, including confocal and fluorescence microscopy in 3D tissue contexts is required. Proficiency in image analysis software (FIJI, CellProfiler, Imaris, or equivalent)

Familiarity with ADME/Tox assays, drug metabolism studies, or nephrotoxicity/hepatotoxicity screening

Detail-oriented and scientifically driven with solid reasoning skills in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to follow complex instructions, multitask, carefully document work in written records.

Strong data analysis and statistical skills (e.g., Prism, R-studio, etc.)

Able to work well under direction as well as independently to achieve scientific and corporate milestones

Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-functional team and/or lead a small team effectively in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced, dynamic, and results-oriented environment

Available to start within 4-6 weeks

Compensation

Javelin Biotech offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary based on experience, full health insurance, company contribution for dental and vision insurance, company match 401(k), and stock options.

Job type: permanent, full-time, on-location

Javelin Biotech is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.