Senior Research Associate, Preclinical

Terrestrial Bio, Inc.; Woburn (MA); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrestrial Bio, Inc. in Woburn, MA is seeking a versatile preclinical scientist to advance our MAP technology.

You will conduct ex vivo skin deployment assays, perform mechanical testing, and support PK/safety studies in rodent and swine models, with hands-on lab work and cross-functional collaboration. This role emphasizes meticulous data recording in ELN, regulatory-ready documentation, and travel to Boston-area facilities.

Qualifications

• BS with 5+ years of relevant work experience or MS with 4+ years.
• BS/MS in Bioengineering or related Life Science field preferred.
• Familiarity with basic wet lab techniques required.
• Experience with mechanical testing and ex vivo tissue handling preferred.
• Animal models experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute ex vivo skin deployment assays and support assay development.
• Perform mechanical characterization of MAP test articles using instrumentation such as Instron force meters.
• Assist in the execution of PK and safety studies in rodent and swine models.
• Coordinate tasks from test article organization to vivarium logistics.
• Characterize MAP test articles deployed into various models via visual inspection and delivery metrics.
• Maintain accurate lab records and ELN entries for regulatory filings.
• Contribute to study design, protocols, and report writing; present findings in cross-functional meetings.
• Travel to testing facilities in the greater Boston area as needed.

Skills

Wet lab techniques

Mechanical testing

Animal study experience

ELN documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Bioengineering

MS in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Instron force meters

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

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.

What you'll do

• Execute ex vivo skin deployment assays and support assay development to evaluate MAP test article performance
• Perform mechanical characterization of MAP test articles using instrumentation such as Instron force meters to ensure structural integrity and delivery efficiency
• 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
• Coordinate tasks ranging from test article organization and vivarium logistics to tissue harvest and downstream sample processing
• Characterize MAP test articles deployed into various models via visual inspection, skin penetration analysis, dose delivery metrics, and other biometric performance measurements
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic lab notebook (ELN) entries to support regulatory filings
• Contribute to study design, protocols, and report writing; communicate logistical needs and present findings in cross-functional team meetings
• Travel to testing facilities in the greater Boston area as needed to transport test articles and support studies

Who you are

• Minimum of BS and 5+ / MS and 4+ years relevant work experience or equivalent combination of work experience required
• BS or MS in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related Life Science field preferred
• 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
• Experience with animal models with or without pharmacokinetic endpoints is a plus
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex logistics in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a commitment to working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to travel to and from local vivarium sites as required

Compensation:

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.

Onsite expectations:

The majority of our roles at Terrestrial are either onsite or hybrid, 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 until relocation to a 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.