Senior Research Associate, Preclinical

Terrestrial; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrestrial is seeking a talented researcher to join our core preclinical team, bridging benchtop assay development and in vivo validation for our microneedle MAP platform. You will characterize performance through ex vivo skin assays, mechanical testing, and support PK/safety studies in rodent and swine models, while coordinating study logistics.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's or Master's in a Life Science field, with hands-on wet lab experience, familiarity with Instron or similar testers,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Pharmacology, or related Life Science field.
• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years or Master’s degree with 1+ years relevant work experience.
• Familiarity with basic wet lab techniques and mechanical testing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ex Vivo & Benchtop Characterization of MAPs: execute ex vivo skin deployment assays and support assay development.
• Mechanical Testing: perform mechanical characterization of MAP test articles using instrumentation such as Instron force meters.
• In Vivo Study Support: assist in PK and safety studies in rodent and swine models as needed.
• Study Logistics: coordinate test article organization, vivarium logistics, tissue harvest, and sample processing.
• Data Analysis: characterize MAP test articles deployed into various models via biometric measurements.
• Documentation: maintain lab records and ELN entries for regulatory filings.
• Collaboration: contribute to study design, protocols, and report writing; present findings in cross-functional meetings.
• Travel: travel to testing facilities in the greater Boston area as needed.

Skills

Wet lab techniques

Mechanical testing

Animal models

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Instron

Job description

Terrestrial (formerly known as Vaxess) is developing a pipeline of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics on our novel micro-array patch platform. With only five minutes of wear-time on the skin, the self-applied patch enables up to two weeks of sustained delivery. The platform combines high temperature stability with simplified application to dramatically alter the way that drugs are delivered. Terrestrial is committed to enabling products that are not only more effective, but also more accessible to patients around the world.

The Role

We are seeking a talented, collaborative, and highly motivated individual to join our core team of preclinical scientists and engineers contributing to the advancement of novel drug delivery modalities. This role is designed for a versatile researcher who enjoys working at the translational interface of benchtop assay / model development and in vivo validation. You will play a key role in characterizing the performance of our MAP technology through a combination of mechanical testing, ex vivo skin assays, and preclinical study support. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an emerging company bringing innovative microneedle therapeutic delivery technology to the global market.

Responsibilities

• Ex Vivo & Benchtop Characterization of MAPs: Execute ex vivo skin deployment assays and support assay development to evaluate MAP test article performance.
• Mechanical Testing: Perform mechanical characterization of MAP test articles using instrumentation such as Instron force meters to ensure structural integrity and delivery efficiency.
• In Vivo Study Support: Assist in the execution of PK and safety studies in rodent and swine models (as needed), including animal model development and IND-enabling safety/efficacy studies.
• Study Logistics: Coordinate tasks ranging from test article organization and vivarium logistics to tissue harvest and downstream sample processing.
• Data Analysis: Characterize MAP test articles deployed into various models via visual inspection, skin penetration analysis, dose delivery metrics, and other biometric performance measurements.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic lab notebook (ELN) entries to support regulatory filings.
• Collaboration: Contribute to study design, protocols, and report writing; communicate logistical needs and present findings in cross-functional team meetings.
• Travel: Travel to testing facilities in the greater Boston area as needed to transport test articles and support studies.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related Life Science field.
• Experience: Bachelor’s degree with 3 required. + years or Master’s degree plus 1+ years relevant work experience
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with basic wet lab techniques (e.g., micropipetting, buffer prep) is required. Experience with mechanical testing (e.g., Instron), materials characterization, ex vivo tissue handling, or skin-based assays is highly preferred.
• Preclinical Skills: Experience with animal models with or without pharmacokinetic endpoints is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex logistics in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a commitment to working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Logistics: Ability to travel to and from local vivarium sites as required.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $76,000 - $96,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

At Terrestrial, we’re bringing together exceptional talent to drive our product development forward. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a dynamic work environment.